A study by Step One Recovery of 2,000 British workers finds that HR managers had taken more sick days than doctors or teachers. The study polled 2,000 workers and revealed that overall 90% of those surveyed found work overwhelming, while 20% sought out alcohol after a stressful work day. Three percent turned to recreational drugs to deal. Step One Recovery is a rehabilitation retreat in Spain.
"Professionals with perfectionist and controlling tendencies are far more likely to be affected by burnout, as they thrive on stress and adrenalin," says Claire Cheek, a director at Step One Recovery. "This in turn can lead to self-medication, using alcohol and drugs to 'unwind.' It is estimated that 20% of alcoholics are highly functioning, but if they continue, one day it all catches up with them."