Month: April 2014

Moving On from the Love Affair with Golf and Alcohol

golf and alcoholThere is nothing inherently evil about enjoying the activities of golf and alcohol consumption. But one thing we have found to be true about men and women alike is that they function better when they lead balanced lives and recognize that what they do for enjoyment is meant to be moderated. When they become too immersed in whatever they do for pleasure, such as golf or alcohol consumption, an imbalanced life of dependency ensues and gradually unravels the responsible life that is overtaken by it.

Men in positions of power enjoy golf as much as they do because it exercises their skills and talents without any of the pressure of the workplace. Golf is a game of skill and strategy that is meant purely for enjoyment and friendly competition. Trying out different, exotic courses and investing in the proper equipment can become costly, which is why it is associated with high-profile individuals. Golf is an excellent pass-time for those who can afford it, but when a person becomes too absorbed in it, they should consider the things they are not spending enough time on, such as their personal relationships. Remember, everything in moderation is the healthiest way to be.

The same notion applies to alcohol consumption. Men who golf but who do not drink alcohol are in the minority. High-power men and the tendency to drink after (or during) a game of golf is incredibly common. But unlike golf, alcohol has few benefits for the brain and the body, and requires even more careful moderation. Alcoholism as an addiction is harmful, for the addict’s profession, relationships and health. When a man enjoys golfing but it is always accompanied with alcohol consumption, the habit has become detrimental and the man needs to reconsider how he spend his time.

If you or someone you know is a high-profile male who struggles with alcoholism or extreme absorption into pleasurable hobbies, you should know that addiction treatment programs have been designed specifically for people like you. Learning to balance our time between what we enjoy and what is responsible is a basic part of maturity, adulthood and wholeness as a person, but some people did not come equipped with this skill and require professional help learning it. Treatment centers such as executive rehabs are created for high-profile individuals with careers and lifestyles that need to be taken into consideration.

The Connection Between Power and Addiction

addiction and powerThere are numerous factors that add to addictive behavior, varying from genetics to psychology to a person’s atmosphere, but there are two aspects that are typically found among individuals in positions of power. It has actually been verified that high profile individuals, such as executives, medical professionals, attorneys and CEOs, are more prone to addictive habits compared to other people. The usual reasons for this are the worries of high profile positions and the neurological make-up of effective, ambitious people.

The pressure put on high profile people can be huge. The more power a position has, the more weight on the individual’s shoulders. Substance abuse as a maladaptive coping system is very common through out all kinds of dependencies, but strikes this particular group of people extremely hard.

When we consider that addiction is a neurological disease, we understand that the mind really rewires itself to, at first, appreciate a substance and inevitably depend on it once it has actually been used in excess. Neuroscientists have actually discovered a link between risk-taking personalities and addictive habits, confirming that particular chemical make-ups are a lot more prone to addiction. Individuals in positions of power fall into the classification of risk-takers, which can be observed in the lifestyle choices that keep them in a position of power. Dopamine is the bodily chemical linked with enjoyment, and risk-taking personalities create less dopamine than the average person, which leads them to seek more intense pleasures and stimulations, such as risky business endeavors or thrill-seeking hobbies. This does not change the fact that addiction is the undesirable expression of this neurological quality.

If you or a person you know is a high-profile individual having problems with addiction, you ought to understand that there are therapy programs created especially for you. Executive alcohol and drug recovery programs are in existence to accommodate the way of life and job commitments of individuals in positions of power and success.

Why Golf and Alcohol Commonly Go Together

golf and alcoholThe stereotype of fully-stocked golf clubhouse bars and flasks out on the green is more than just a stereotype; it originated from the tendency for golfers to also be alcoholics. Golf and alcohol are two favorite passtimes of men of privilege. It is very common for the friends and family of high-power males to say they spend a lot of time golfing and drinking when they are not working. But where did this connection between golf and alcoholism come from?

It is the Scottish who are accredited with the creation of golf in the 15th century, and the Scottish are also known for their high alcohol tolerance. Already the two pass-times have a historical connection to one another. But beyond this connection, golf in particular has come to be associated with the well-to-do. Alcoholism is found in every demographic of society, but golf, perhaps more than any other sport, is associated with drinking. In North America, this is found particularly among men in positions of power. One can draw their own conclusions: a large number of men in positions of power enjoy golf and  a large number of men in positions of power enjoy drinking.

The question is, can golf, drinking and power be connected to the same type of male psyche? Many mental health experts and neurologists would say yes. All three attributes fit into the profile of a person who likes to take risks, gets a thrill out of mastering strategy and thrives on uncertainty. Believe it or not, this is the most common personality type of an addict. Addiction is found more in high-functioning individuals than it is in other personality types. Whether or not frequent golfing is an addiction can only be determined on an individual basis, but the fact that it golfing is enjoyed largely by men in positions of power is telling.

 

Vices of Men in Positions of Power

powerful men vices addictionsGolf and alcohol are not the only things commonly enjoyed and abused by men in positions of power. There are a number of substances and activities that appeal to this demographic and often pose the threat of being habit forming. Among these highly preferred substances and activities are cocaine, opiates, gambling and sex.

A popular illicit drug among high-profile men is cocaine, which has a reputation for being abused by people with money and power. Cocaine is a substance with natural energy and empowerment inducing qualities, so the power-seeking personality of a high-profile man tends to be drawn to it. This drug is highly addictive and can be lethal when overdosed, making it a common cause of destruction in the lives of men in positions of power.

Also high on the list of desirable substances is opiates, ranging from pharmaceuticals to heroin, which are in high demand among men in positions of power. The fixation can start harmlessly with a scripted prescription from a doctor, but when the person becomes dependent on the substance, they may try to obtain the drug illegally by going to multiple pharmacies or may turn to street versions such as opium or heroine. Like cocaine, heroine can be lethal in an overdose or have disastrous side effects.

We know that activities can prove addictive as well as substances, and one favorite activity of powerful men is sex. Sex addiction is commonly found among men in positions of power, whether it is in the form of anonymous partners or prostitution. This can lead to relationship inabilities and a tendency to view the opposite sex in an objective way.

And lastly, men in positions of power statistically also have a weakness for gambling. This is logical considering that the psychological make-up of high-profile persons almost always involves risk-taking. The act of gambling – placing a bet on something with an unsure outcome – produces the brain chemical of pleasure called dopamine, which is then greatly enhanced when the outcome is winning. This act is found to be very addictive among high-profile men.