Wealth, Substance Abuse, and Addiction

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By Colin Gilbert
Despite bountiful examples serving as evidence to the contrary, the American myth that wealth equals happiness lives on in the cultural mindset. Of course, financial security can contribute to a person’s sense of comfort and peace of mind.
Most would agree that being “comfortable,” in the sense of having all basic needs met without difficulty, can foster a deep sense of contentment. However, happiness soon becomes an unattainable ideal when it gets tied up with an insatiable desire for personal possessions and luxurious living. When you always want more, you’re never satisfied, and the dissatisfied are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.
One of the reasons why idolizing wealth can lead to problems with substance abuse and addiction is that those with addictive personalities are likely to be enticed by the race for financial gain. Making money can be addictive in its own right, offering rewards of temporary excitementâ€"just as drugs doâ€"that can only be matched with bigger and better gains. Wealth addiction is actually quite common among Americans, and it isn’t too surprising considering the priority that our society places on monetary gain. People prone to addictive behavior are led into wealth addiction by the cultural environment surrounding them, and when the promises of fulfillment don’t come to fruition, attempts to cope with the dissatisfaction open the door to other addictions.
Not all wealthy people earned their money through an addictive pursuit, however. Plenty of people with no history of addiction have made significant amounts of money while maintaining a healthy value system and balanced perspective. Then, there are those who became rich through non-addictive means but still struggle with addiction. For example, in cases of inheritance, where wealthy individuals didn’t really earn their money at all, there are high rates of abuse and addiction.
In an article from www.recoveryview.com, author Tian Dayton, Ph.D. outlines the unique difficulties that children from wealthy families face regarding personal identity, substance abuse, and addiction. The author explains that, from an early age, children of wealthy families have problems with identity. Their unusually high social status leads them to feel different from others. They may feel superior to others for having the wealth, or inferior for not having earned itâ€"either way, they feel marginalized. They identify themselves with the money instead of building a well-rounded self-image that is based on complex interpersonal relationships.
Dayton also points out that people with a great deal of wealth can easily control their circumstances, and therefore their moods. They often have a sense of entitlement, accustomed to immediately having whatever they desire. At the same time, however, they may suffer from loneliness and have poor self-esteem. All of this combines to make them prime candidates for addiction. Alcohol or drugs are used to escape the pain brought on by a warped perspective, and the rich have no trouble getting more, whenever desired.
For wealthy people who struggle with addiction, getting well requires a shift in perspective. Wholeness should be sought in choices and experiences, rather than status or belongings. With counseling, medical help, and a sincere effort to maintain a healthy inner life, any addict can find true fulfillment by overcoming their addiction and redirecting their focus to nurturing the true needs and desires of their deeper selves.Wealth, Substance Abuse, and AddictionOriginally from: http://www.everythingaddiction.com/addiction-society/wealth-substance-abuse-and-addiction/

: http://alcoholdrugstreatment.info/wealth-substance-abuse-and-addiction