This Mental Health Awareness Week, we explore the hidden links between chronic stress, addiction and recovery.
As burnout reaches crisis levels in UK workplaces, Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12th to 18th) is a vital moment to expose the hidden links between chronic stress, addiction and recovery. At Emerging Futures, people with lived experience reveal how workplace pressure can lead to dangerous spirals – and how support and connection can provide a path forward.
Burnout at work is a growing mental health crisis that’s silently shaping lives in today’s high-pressure workplaces. Workplace burnout is defined by emotional exhaustion, detachment and a sense of ineffectiveness. It’s been officially classified as an occupational phenomenon and research shows it’s on the rise (World Health Organization). Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24 – 16.4 million, with burnout playing a significant role (Health and Safety Executive).
But burnout doesn’t just end with stress – it can spiral into drug or alcohol dependency and addiction, especially among those already vulnerable or in recovery. High workloads, toxic work cultures and lack of support create the perfect storm.
Recovery and the role of community
While workplace burnout can break people, community can help people to rebuild their lives. One EF staff member shared her thoughts with us:
“Once I got out of rehab, community was vital. I began volunteering, accessing Community Links (CLEAR), completed as much training as possible, reconnected with friends and attended arts & crafts sessions. Kirklees in Recovery was invaluable to me – I’m still involved with them one way or another.”
Burnout to addiction – personal journeys
Some of our EF workforce and volunteers kindly shared their experiences with us to illustrate just how dangerous burnout can be.
Richard Hall: “I didn’t see the slide until I hit the bottom”
“I worked in finance for 30 years and drinking was just part of the job – entertaining clients, networking, decompressing. I never thought it was a problem. But when I retired at 50, everything changed. I’d left a long marriage, moved to Norfolk and started over. My business plans failed, and I slowly gave up. I drank more, telling myself it was under control.
“My partner raised concerns, and I tried cutting back – weekdays off, gym memberships. But it got worse. I ended up in hospital with alcohol poisoning and was arrested. That was the moment I knew I had to change. CGL and Emerging Futures helped me rebuild. I’m finally living honestly – and sober.”
Anonymous (Emerging Futures staff): “I didn’t call it addiction – until it nearly killed me”
“I worked in financial services and thought I was just stressed. I drank to cope – a glass after work, then more. Eventually, it became daily. I told myself I was a heavy drinker, not dependent. I hid it from everyone.
“One day, my husband found me unresponsive. I was taken to hospital and triaged by CGL. That was the first time I had to admit I had a problem. I joined a group programme with The Basement Recovery Project. Even then, I struggled. I couldn’t reach my goals until I went to rehab in 2022 for five months.
“Since then, I’ve stayed sober. I now work at Emerging Futures, helping others find hope like I did.”
Liam Root: “I wore these problems like a badge of honour”
“I first started struggling with my mental health when I was working as a chef. The pressure was constant – long hours, high expectations and a drinking culture that was just part of the job. I owned a restaurant with my wife, so no one questioned anything. I drank to stop the morning shakes, hid vodka in water bottles and convinced myself I was managing.
“But really I was falling apart. My anxiety was out of control, my moods were unpredictable and sleep was almost non-existent.
“Walking away from that industry was like coming up for air. I’ve since rebuilt my life with connection, purpose and honesty.”
James Lock: “The more I used, the more chaotic my life became”
“I was managing several high-street shops – on paper it looked like success, but I was exhausted. I was never home, constantly on edge and isolated.
“I started drinking in the mornings just to steady myself, then used drugs at night to switch off. It became a cycle – something to get through the day, something to sleep, something to feel OK. My health suffered, my relationships broke down and I became paranoid and withdrawn. Eventually, I lost my job – a major blow.
“But recovery gave me perspective. Burnout isn’t weakness – it’s your body telling you something needs to change.”
The link between recovery and connection
At Emerging Futures, we believe recovery doesn’t happen in isolation – it thrives on connection. That’s why group work and community links are built into our recovery programmes. Meeting others in recovery, and staff with lived experience who are now thriving, makes a lasting difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Recovery is possible and you are not alone. Reach out to Emerging Futures for support.
Email: info@emergingfutures.org.uk. Tel: 03330 124 714.
