Workaholics: The Respectable Addicts

M. Annabelle Richardson is head of Twilley Richardson & Associates,
Counselling and Consulting Services, in Perth, Ontario.

This book details how overemphasizing work in one’s life can result in
dysfunction. Addiction to work is a pathology that stems from childhood
and continues on into adulthood, playing havoc with the victim’s
relationships, particularly with spouse and children.

The author successfully describes the dynamic. The theoretical frame of
the book is predominately Jungian, with family systems theory well used
(a good understanding of psychology on the part of the reader is thus
presupposed). As a therapist, I found the information on case
assessment, planning, and evaluation especially helpful.

The intention of the book is to assist the work addict to recognize,
understand, and deal with the affliction. However, the detailed
descriptions could be unintentionally overwhelming. The more familiar
12-step frames are not obvious except in the book’s use of direct
confrontation (an approach that is more successful with men than with
women). Discussion of the practical realities for mothers who also work
outside the home is unfortunately limited. And I would have appreciated
a fuller development of the directions for recovery contained in the
final two chapters. Nevertheless, this book can be used as a tool to
create and maintain a healthier family life.