Workaholic behavior, also known as workaholism (wurk-uh-HAWL-ism), is complete dedication to a career with disregard to personal priorities. Families and friends of workaholics are often neglected because of the overzealous work ethics that dominate the worker's time and concentration. Workaholics commonly work at home or the office more than 40 hours a week, talk and think about work frequently, or abandon friends or family for a career. Behavioral patterns may include an obsession with competition, especially regarding salary rates or levels of responsibility, working in the car or in bed, criticizing peers for laziness, and constant worry over future accomplishments and financial gain. Workaholic behavior presides among a variety of people who gain satisfaction from intense workloads. Some workaholics are compensating for parents who put their own needs first, while others may crave security to overshadow a low self-esteem. Treatment for workaholism may include Workaholics Anonymous, also known as WA (W-A), family and individual therapy sessions, and stress management courses. For more information about workaholic behavior, consult a healthcare specialist.
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