People often joke about perfectionism, but this is a very real condition. Though figures vary on how many people are affected by it, the general consensus is that up to 90 percent of Americans live with some level of perfectionism. In some instances, it drives people to excel and keeps them motivated.
Of course, it’s more severe for some people than others. For between 10 and 30 percent of those who suffer from it, it’s more of a hindrance than a benefit.
In those cases, it can be a slippery road that ultimately descends into alcoholism.
What Is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism is a condition that causes people to set extremely high standards for themselves and to strive for absolute flawlessness. It comes with a constant need for approval and an intense fear of making mistakes.
Perfectionism can help people succeed. It may propel them to increasingly new heights. Colleges and employers often consider perfectionists an asset because of their lofty ambitions and their willingness to push themselves to new limits.
When those traits cause people to set unrealistic goals for themselves, though, they may need cognitive behavioral therapy or other treatments to help them overcome it.
How Does Perfectionism Descend Into Alcoholism
A few key factors contribute to perfectionists’ increased risk of alcoholism. For one, the fear of falling short of their own expectations, and everyone else’s, creates unimaginable pressure. It’s a relentless need, and a perfectionist’s mind never really gives them a break from it.
Alcohol is known to numb the mind and dull the senses. As such, it appears to provide a much-needed break from the stress. That sense of freedom and relief may only be temporary, but it’s better than the alternative.
Of course, the need for those brief reprieves tends to grow more frequent over time, which leads perfectionists to drink progressively more until it becomes a habit.
Additionally, there’s a great deal of stress involved in being a perfectionist. Those who live with this condition have an insurmountable need to force every detail into place. They need to be in control of virtually every situation.
It’s exhausting both mentally and physically. Again, alcohol allows perfectionists to relax and escape from all that stress. Though it’s only fleeting, it may be enough to keep them going a little while longer.
Unfortunately, it brings about a growing need to escape and an increasing reliance on alcohol to help them do so.
A Destructive Cycle
All this can certainly create a destructive cycle. Keep in mind that mistakes and flaws aren’t acceptable for perfectionists. They expect themselves to exceed everyone’s expectations, including their own.
Relying on alcohol for relief from the stress could be considered a flaw in its own right, so they’re letting themselves down by following this path.
They’re also painfully aware that if anyone else were to find out about that habit, they might be shocked and dismayed as well. Shame and guilt are heavy burdens to bear.
They bring about more stress and fear, which leads to the need for another escape, and the cycle continues indefinitely.
Breaking the Habit
Perfectionism can be an asset in some cases, but it can also be a major disadvantage. Constantly striving for perfection can leave people with overwhelming stress and anxiety, and it’s difficult to escape a slavedriver that’s constantly present deep within your own mind.
Alcohol provides a brief escape from the pressure, but it’s short-lived, and it only compounds the problem in the long run.
With the right therapy and support, it’s possible to overcome both alcoholism and the perfectionism that lies at its core.
