Quick answer: Signs of workaholism include constantly thinking about how to free up more time for work, working far longer than intended, working to escape guilt or anxiety, ignoring others’ requests to cut back, feeling stressed when you can’t work, and neglecting health, hobbies and relationships. Research suggests workaholism often co-occurs with ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression.
How we put this guide together
Tikvah Lake Recovery in Florida treats work addiction alongside substance use and mental health, often for executives and professionals. This guide draws on research from the University of Bergen, which developed the Bergen Work Addiction Scale. It’s meant to help you recognize patterns, not to diagnose.
How common is workaholism?
In a nationally representative study of Norwegian employees, the prevalence of workaholism was 8.3%. Workaholism isn’t a formal diagnosis, but researchers measure it using the same core features as other addictions.
Signs at a glance
| Sign | What it can look like |
| Preoccupation | Always thinking about how to free up time for work |
| Escalation | Working much longer than intended |
| Mood modification | Working to escape guilt, anxiety or sadness |
| Conflict | Ignoring others who ask you to cut back |
| Withdrawal | Stress or irritability when you can’t work |
| Neglect | Giving up hobbies, exercise and time with family |
| Health effects | Work harming sleep or health |
1. You always look for more time to work
Constantly thinking about how to fit in more work, even during time off, is a core sign.
2. You work far longer than you intended
“Just one more email” turns into hours, again and again.
3. Work numbs uncomfortable feelings
Working to reduce guilt, anxiety, helplessness or depression suggests work is serving as a coping mechanism.
4. You ignore requests to cut back
Partners, friends or doctors have told you to slow down, and you haven’t listened.
5. You feel stressed when you can’t work
Vacations, weekends or being told to stop bring irritability or anxiety rather than relief.
6. Everything else gets deprioritized
Hobbies, exercise and relationships fall away as work takes over.
7. Your health is suffering
Poor sleep, exhaustion and stress-related health problems are common consequences.
8. It often travels with other conditions
A large Norwegian study found that among workaholics, 32.7% met criteria for ADHD, 25.6% for OCD, 33.8% for anxiety and 8.9% for depression, all higher than among non-workaholics.
9. It can drive substance use
Some people use stimulants to keep working or alcohol to wind down. Addressing work addiction and substance use together can break the cycle.
Tikvah Lake Recovery treats work addiction in a private setting where professionals can also keep up essential responsibilities with clear boundaries. Call (833) 784-6689.
FAQ
What are the signs of workaholism?
Signs include preoccupation with work, working longer than intended, working to escape negative feelings, ignoring requests to cut back, stress when not working, and neglecting health and relationships.
Is workaholism a real addiction?
It isn’t a formal diagnosis, but researchers measure it using the same core features as other addictions, and it’s linked to real health and relationship consequences.
How common is workaholism?
A nationally representative Norwegian study found a prevalence of 8.3% among employees.
Is workaholism linked to ADHD?
Research suggests so. In one large study, 32.7% of workaholics met ADHD criteria, compared with 12.7% of non-workaholics.
Can workaholism be treated?
Yes. Therapy can help people understand what drives overwork, set boundaries and address co-occurring anxiety, depression, ADHD or substance use.