Addiction 12: Workaholism, The Hidden Epidemic – with Paweł Atroszko

We're back with another absolute blockbuster episode that you didn't even know you needed to hear! This time Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Professor Paweł Atroszko of the University of Gdansk to discuss the concept of work addiction, its symptoms, assessment methods, and global prevalence.

Paweł highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic factors and cultural perceptions on work addiction, as well as the differences in prevalence across age groups. The discussion also touches on the comorbidities associated with work addiction and the misconceptions surrounding it. Atroszko emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this phenomenon and its implications for mental health.

Then we get into treatment options, psychological profiles of workaholics, and the interplay of genetics and environment in the development of workaholism. The discussion highlights the need for awareness of the consequences of workaholism in the workplace and the importance of recognizing burnout as a serious condition.

Choice quotes:

1. "The prevalence of work addiction is very high."
2. "The risk is highest among 25 to 34 year olds."
3. "Women have a higher risk of work addiction."
4. "There are two addictions like that."
5. "Workaholics Anonymous operate for decades now."
6. "Having fun is a skill that needs to be trained."

Paweł Atroszko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paweł-atroszko/?locale=en_US

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

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