The 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.

 

Golf 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.