workaholism is considered an acceptable disease.  In some circles, it is prestigious to be celled, faxed, and emailed at all hours of the day, but in reality this promotes the addiction and even rewards it.  People are proud they are working so much.  Society looks at workaholism as a positive thing.  It must be noted that workaholics do not choose to work long hours; they have lost control and are obsessed with work.  They even feel guilty when they are not working.  The human resources department should be aware that these problems can lead to other addictions in the future. Furthermore, workaholics are at greater risk for heart attacks and other stress-related illnesses.  Those who really suffer from workaholism generally do not like the label.  They fear the reality of the addiction.  Keeping life balanced and in perspective is the best hope for individuals falling into this obsession.

             As with other addictions, family members also suffer through the problems associated with workaholism.  Conflict runs very high in a workaholic’s family.  Family members are negatively impacted and have the potential to develop mental health problems also.  These family members are also at a high risk for cardiovascular disease (Robinson, 2000).  Much like the families of alcoholics, the workaholic’s family becomes consumed with trying to end the compulsive behaviors.  Even when the workaholic parent is physically present, children still feel emotionally disconnected.   In addition to the feeling of disconnection, they often feel lonely, unloved, and abandoned.  The spouse also deals with emotions from the work addiction.  They often must serve as a single parent due to the workload the workaholic chooses to take.  There is often verbal complaining on both sides, followed by marital resentment.  The brittle family unit of the workaholic suffers from severe dysfunction.  In fact, one of the most significant reasons for divorce in this country is attributed to the preoccupation with one’s work.  There is less communication, less problem solving, and less interest in relationships.  This behavior spills over into the schools.

             The largest problem dealing with family issues relating to workaholism is the fact that Western society rewards this type work behavior.  Hence, children develop feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, irritability, and depression before a parent may even determine that treatment is necessary.  Children may even become workaholics themselves and become self-critical, demanding, and egotistical without even noticing the long-term negative effects.  Therefore, educators must empathize with dangers of pressure, burnout, and family disintegration that may be occurring for students.  Sadly, educators witness a great deal of this in their classes.  It is often a mixed message sent between home and school when suggestions are made to eliminate pressure and stress.   

Many work addicts can be cured if they get help early.    If they recognize how their addiction has harmed their family and friends, there is hope.  Remorse for the hurt feelings and the damage that has been caused will help the workaholic in recovery.  It is important to note that workaholics do not choose to work long hours.  They have lost control, and they are obsessed with work.  Workaholics Anonymous can be a place for workers to turn when they decide they need help.  Recovery for work addicts is not nearly as clear-cut as it may be for other types of addicts.  There is usually no visible or tangible symbol like a bottle or a drug to stay away from, so workers need to begin with turning off the phone, ignoring the email, and sharing tasks with others.  Relapses are frequent because normal work deadlines and new tasks can bring on the same old compulsive behaviors.  Workaholics Anonymous (WA) offers the worker the skills necessary to take incremental steps toward recovery leading him or her back to a full life.  WA offers a service to those folks who have the desire to stop working compulsively and to carry the message of recovery to other workaholics who still suffer.

When addiction takes over, the basic need for sleep, food, and love is ignored.  A feeling of disconnection from life causes emptiness and lack of