Chapter 1: The Illusion of Control

In a haze of fever and cold sweats, I found myself grappling with a debilitating flu. Though it was just a temporary illness, it felt overwhelming at the time. My immediate thought wasn't to reach out for help, but rather to check my phone, which lay just out of reach. Not because I yearned for warmth or support from my husband—though I certainly did—but because I needed to connect with my teams across the globe. Work was calling, and I had emails to answer and urgent tasks to complete.

Despite notifying my boss about my absence, he reassured me that everything would be fine. Yet, I couldn't shake the anxiety of potential mishaps occurring in my absence. This wasn’t the first time I had felt this way; I had taken three days off just two weeks prior and still found it difficult to truly disconnect. My boss was understanding, but I was caught in a cycle of guilt.

Upon reflection, it became clear that my relentless work ethic was not merely dedication—it was addiction. I was among the many Americans who identify as workaholics, a label often worn with pride. This mindset is frequently equated with ambition and commitment, leading to an environment where going "above and beyond" is encouraged.

For me, the adrenaline from constant productivity was intoxicating. However, the increasing frequency of my illnesses suggested that something was amiss. The American healthcare system, with its focus on treating symptoms through medication, failed to address the root causes of my struggles.

I won’t delve into the specifics of my health issues, but by the end of two tumultuous years, I was managing fourteen different medications. At thirty-six, balancing sixty-hour work weeks felt impossible. My boss's concern for my well-being contrasted sharply with my own internal struggles, as the vigor that once drove me vanished, and even simple tasks became monumental challenges.

One fateful morning, I took a decisive step: I crushed my medications into a fine powder and flushed them away. I was done with conventional treatments.

Yet, my health continued to decline until I took charge of my well-being and discovered Kratom.

Addiction among high-level executives is a subject seldom addressed openly. Often hidden behind closed doors, studies suggest that twenty out of the top two hundred executives are grappling with addiction due to the immense pressures of performance, perfectionism, and personal responsibilities.

Having worked closely with many executives, I can attest to the truth of these claims. In 2012, my goal was simple: to relieve my pain and restore my energy, which I achieved through Kratom. For the next decade, I consumed twenty-five grams daily.

I urge you to take my experience seriously: Kratom transformed my life. It doesn’t induce euphoria but effectively alleviates pain and boosts energy. Its efficacy has led the FDA to consider banning it, as millions of Americans prefer it over traditional pain medications.

However, no drug serves as a permanent solution. Prolonged use can lead to unforeseen consequences. Kratom induced insomnia, leaving my mind racing constantly. While I was incredibly productive, the toll was significant.

On December 12, 2022, I resolved to quit after a decade of use. I stopped cold turkey, believing in my ability to do so—and I succeeded.

The journey has been far from easy. I had forgotten what it felt like to be truly myself—the confident and capable person I was before 2012. While my circumstances remained unchanged, everything about my life felt different.

Today, let’s extend understanding to C-Level executives grappling with addiction.

Happy 3.5 months of recovery to me.

Chapter 2: Powerful Narratives of Addiction and Recovery

In this video, the Rich Roll Podcast shares ten compelling stories of individuals facing addiction and their transformative journeys toward recovery. These narratives reveal the multifaceted nature of addiction and the powerful steps taken to reclaim their lives.

Chapter 3: Reprogramming the Mind to Overcome Addiction

Dr. Joe Dispenza discusses techniques for reprogramming the mind to break free from any addiction within a mere nine days. This insightful approach highlights the connection between mindset and recovery.

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I appreciate your engagement with my experiences.

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