It’s no secret that the best leaders among us – the most driven, successful and creative thinkers – are wired a bit differently than the rest. Their level of dedication to work has landed them in the “C-Suite” or senior management positions in the office, where they’re often faced with important executive decisions, high-profile meetings and work-related trips. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, studies show that about 20 percent of alcoholics are high-functioning and well-educated. New studies also reveal that prescription medication abuse and addiction – usually painkillers – is steadily rising in the c-suite circle. At the Dallas-based Enterhealth addiction treatment center, about 50 to 60 percent of the patients are high-functioning individuals at the executive level in their careers. The general public may find that statistic to be surprising, but addiction is in fact a real issue at all levels in the workplace. To address this reality, many U.S. employers have enacted Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide benefits and services to employees who are recovering from addiction.
“A lot of employees suffering with substance abuse don’t realize that EAPs are confidential programs, and they don’t utilize the programs for fear of being fired,” said David M. Kniffen, Jr. CEO of Enterhealth. “Companies would not fire an employee who has heart disease or diabetes, because it’s a medical condition that can be treated. Advanced research and science clearly show that addiction is also a treatable, medical condition. Shifting the way companies view addiction can change the negative connotation attached to alcohol and drug abuse, which leads to more people speaking openly and seeking the help they need.”
According to Kniffen, it’s estimated that about 10 percent of employees per company struggle with alcohol or drug abuse, and a growing number of those people are high-functioning individuals in management positions. Once the corporate culture mindset regarding addiction is altered, leaders of companies may feel more comfortable having a conversation about addiction with employees or others in management positions in the workplace.
“It’s in the company’s best interest to help the c-suite and management team to find the right medically-based addiction treatment center that goes beyond the traditional 12-step program,” explained Kniffen. “It’s imperative the treatment plan is designed to effectively provide the level of care and support patients need over time to treat the condition as a chronic, manageable disease. It’s very likely that the company has already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in grooming the employee for a position at that level.”
At Enterhealth, individualized treatment plans are tailored specifically to meet the medical and mental health needs of each patient. To devise the best customized treatment plan suited for each individual patient, addiction experts at Enterhealth use neurocognitive testing to determine the injured areas of the brain. Neuropsychological testing helps diagnose medical professionals quickly identify underlying conditions that may be compounding substance abuse. Medication and psychotherapy, along with other scientific, medical breakthroughs that reduce cravings and allow time for the brain to heal help patients get back in the “driver’s seat” at a faster rate, giving them the necessary tools to be prepared for a lifelong journey of continuum care. Addiction specialists urge patients to utilize outpatient therapy programs and online treatment tools to help manage their addiction and minimize relapses. Addiction experts at Entherhealth are aware that employees and c-suite level executives may need to work from a remote location when important company matters arise while at treatment. Medical professionals work with the patient and their company to help determine when it’s appropriate for the employee to start participating in work matters.
“It’s vital that companies choose an addiction treatment facility that treats addiction as a chronic brain disease,” explained Dr. Joshua Masino, neuropsychologist and executive director at Enterhealth Ranch. “At Enterhealth, treatment starts with a complete medical and psychological assessment to create a personalized drug and alcohol addiction treatment plan. As an integral part of this assessment, neurocognitive testing acts as a window, giving our team of addiction specialists a look into the patient’s brain.”
“Approaching a c-suite level executive about suspicions of alcohol or drug abuse probably sounds like an uncomfortable conversation, even for senior level managers,” said Kniffen. “Unfortunately, the reality is that addiction is a life threatening disease that cannot be ignored. For the good of this person, and the organization’s investment in them, having a relationship with the right treatment provider and an action plan in place – before you need it – is the smart thing to do for growing and thriving companies of the 21st century.”
About Enterhealth:
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Enterhealth offers a science-based alcohol and drug addiction treatment program created by a dedicated team of addiction experts determined to dramatically improve treatment outcomes. Based on the latest National Institutes of Health research identifying addiction as a chronic brain disease, this program is implemented by a full-time staff of addiction-trained physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists, beginning with a thorough medical and psychological assessment designed to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This approach has proven to be at least three times more effective than traditional programs.
Enterhealth Ranch, an exclusive treatment facility, is nestled on 43 scenic acres just 30 minutes north of Dallas/Fort Worth. The facility features 40 beds, private rooms and bathrooms, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping service, a luxurious pool, a gym and more. Enterhealth Outpatient Center of Excellence, an outpatient treatment facility, is located in the Park Cities, just north of downtown Dallas, and provides ongoing addiction management care and support. For more information, visit www.enterhealth.com.
