Factors that lead successful people to use drugs

Many misconceptions exist concerning who uses and abuses recreational drugs. One common belief is that most people who engage in problematical drug use belong to a group of underachievers.

Much evidence shows that many successful people get into trouble for using illegal and prescription drugs at a dangerous level.

Personality traits that lead to drug issues

American Addiction Centers suggest that some traits that make people successful can contribute to drug addictions. In fact, a person with a high-profile position in the community sometimes has additional difficulties to contend with; specifically, they hide their problems to avoid scandal and disappointing people who depend upon them.

One study suggests 10% of top executives face drug or alcohol issues. Due to their position and their ability to control certain aspects of their lives, such as a flexible schedule, executives have an increased ability to hide addictions. Certain traits present in high-powered individuals could make these individuals more susceptible to addiction:

• Sensation-seeking personalities
• Troubled childhoods
• A focus on perfectionism
• A fake persona

Financial advantages that hide problems

For many people, it is difficult to spend much money on drugs without someone noticing. Affluent individuals, however, have the luxury of spending substantial sums of money without drawing attention. Wealthy people are also less likely to engage in crime to support an addiction, a behavior that often leads to discovery.

Eventually, though, if the drug use or alcohol abuse continues, the individual often runs into problems. This includes accomplishing less and less on the job. Health problems could result. Many people eventually face encounters with the law. For nearly everyone, substance abuse is hard to hide for a long time.