Addiction is an equal-opportunity disease that can strike anyone without regard for wealth or social standing. However, addiction affects people at the lowest and highest ends of the socioeconomic spectrum in significantly greater proportions than those in the middle income brackets.
At its core, addiction is nearly always about self-medicating physical or emotional pain, pressure or stress. Life isn’t easy for those in positions of power and authority, who are by nature exposed to tremendous tension. Such a pressure cooker existence prompts many to self-medicate with alcohol or prescription drugs, while others resort to stimulants to maintain a high level of energy.
Although different in many ways, the lives of UHNW individuals, celebrities and top-level executives share common factors, all central to their very identity and which are important to consider when such individuals seek treatment:
It’s Lonely at the Top
Extreme wealth and/or power provides a buffer from many of life’s difficulties, but also creates an impenetrable wall that keeps people disengaged and isolated.
Life is different for people who travel in private jets and escape to luxury yachts or who travel first class from board meeting to board meeting. Typical rehabs, even so-called “luxury” rehabs, seem modest and uncomfortable in comparison to the opulent living environments of these individuals.
Most rehabs around the world have little understanding and empathy for the backgrounds of UHNW individuals who tend to be ill at ease in group settings.
To expect such people to enter restrictive, socioeconomically diverse programs is unreasonable and may ultimately drive affluent individuals deeper into the isolation and destruction of addiction.
Hyper-Suspicion of Outsiders
Like any other minority group, the extremely wealthy and/or powerful tend to be highly suspicious of those outside their group. To make matters worse, today’s global populist movement has created an atmosphere in which the affluent are treated with disdain.
It’s no surprise that well-to-do people are often mistrustful of people outside their immediate realm, including clinicians and other treatment professionals.
“The Princess and the Pea” Syndrome
Nobody enjoys discomfort, but unlike most people, a moneyed person can call up a private jet and make a speedy exit if treatment becomes unpleasant. Standard rehabs typically fail to give credence to the particular challenges facing the wealthy, and opportunities for healing are lost.
Growing up in Extreme Wealth
“Affluenza” is a term use to describe youth who grow up in a culture of great wealth and privilege. The term is frequently bandied about by the press and used to excuse criminal behaviour. Children of prosperous parents often grow up in painful isolation, but expectations for privileged kids can be tremendous.
Academic and social success is of primary importance, and wealthy children may be restricted by family expectations surrounding nearly every aspect of life. Kids who have been shielded from life’s difficulties may not be as resilient as their lower income counterparts.
Standard Treatment isn’t Enough
By its very nature, addiction treatment should be challenging and uncomfortable, but must first meet people where they are instead of attempting to press them into one-size-fits-all treatment that fails to reflect the reality of their very existence.
An effective therapist understands the struggles endemic to people of extreme wealth and power, and knows intuitively when to push and when to step back. Sadly, such intuition is rare and stereotypical interventions prove mostly ineffective with this unique population.
Clinicians must adopt a post-modern psycho-therapeutic stance that fosters an authentic connection with each patient, creating an atmosphere in which personal power and identity is recognized and appreciated.
First Comes Confidentiality
Absolute confidentiality is a requirement for high profile individuals who fear that their private lives may be the highlight of the evening news. For this population, exposure creates immeasurable costs, and sometimes, irreparable damage.
Most rehabs, even so-called “luxury rehabs,” have published addresses and treatment modalities in which patients see one another daily. There is nothing to stop paparazzi and other gossip-mongers.
Many wealthy people are justifiably suspicious and fearful of extortion or blackmail if news of a family member’s addiction becomes public knowledge. Many are unwilling to enter treatment without an absolute assurance of anonymity.
Specialised Treatment is the Answer
At Paracelsus Recovery, confidentiality is of utmost importance and group settings are avoided. Instead, a dedicated team of empathetic professionals with particular experience working with this clientele will work one-on-one with each patient in a luxurious private residence.
Each residence surpasses the finest five-star hotel experience. A butler, chef and housekeeper ensure the comfort of each patient throughout their stay. Addresses are never published.
Unlike typical programs that are tightly structured and inflexible, treatment is tailored to each client’s particular needs and responsibilities, allowing for career demands, work, or public appearances.
Paracelsus Recovery is a fully-licensed family-run clinic offering comprehensive and individually tailored treatments for addiction and mental health problems, addressing the full complexity of these afflictions as well as taking into consideration the unique background and personality of each client.
Jan Gerber is Managing Director of Paracelsus Recovery
[www.paracelsus-recovery.com](http://www.paracelsus-recovery.com)
