How to manage addictive behaviours at work (so your performance doesn’t suffer)

Quick takeaway: Small, tactical changes during the workday dramatically reduce risky behaviour outside of work - and they protect your performance and reputation.

The problem at work

Pressure, long hours and social rituals create perfect conditions for coping behaviours. For high-performers it’s often not about losing control at the office - it’s what happens after hours or how choices accumulate.

Four immediate workplace tools (practical, not preachy)

1. Micro-pause protocol (3 mins) - before you accept an invite or a drink, take 3 minutes: breathe, check your values, and decide. That gap breaks automatic habits.

2. Anchor behaviours - replace old rituals with neutral anchors: refill water, make one supportive call, or do a 5-minute mobility stretch. Anchors steal the momentum from urge behaviour.

3. Binary tracking - keep a simple daily ledger: “Did I stay within my plan today? Y/N.” This gives clean feedback and reduces rumination.

4. On-call support - have the ADIS phone line or coach call booked for the evenings you expect risk. Pre-booking accountability reduces fallout.

How leaders can keep their edge while addressing behaviour

This isn’t about punishment. It’s a strategic upgrade. Leaders who address blind spots become better decision-makers and more resilient under pressure. Our coaching approach treats recovery as performance optimisation.

Case-style example 

A senior executive replaces after-work drinks with a 20-minute run and a 10-minute reflection. Within weeks their decision fatigue reduces and late-night impulsive choices slow down. Small behavioural swaps, consistent accountability, measurable wins. That's what you can find. 

How Recovery Coaching helps at work

Recovery Coaching gives you short, focused sessions that map to your work rhythm. We focus on:

• Immediate tactical plans for high-risk times.

• Career-friendly confidentiality.

• Skill transfer so changes stick under pressure.

Book a discovery call for Recovery Coaching here: https://www.thetaraclinic.com/coaching 

FAQs

Q1 - Will I lose credibility if I ask for help?
No. The professionals we work with see this as a strategic performance move - not a weakness.

Q2 - How do I make a plan that fits travel and meetings?
We build contingency plans for travel and events so you always have a workable strategy.

Q3 - How many coaching sessions are needed?
Some clients get momentum in 4-6 focused sessions; many continue with light ongoing coaching for maintenance. Our recommendation is for a minimum of 3 months.