Addicted to Work? The Psychology Behind Work Addiction, Part 1

Addicted to Work? The Psychology Behind Work Addiction, Episode 18 Part 1

In this first part of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Alina Meyer-Riad to explore what work addiction actually is and why it is often misunderstood.

We talk about the difference between working hard and losing control, the role of validation and productivity in shaping identity, and why work addiction can be harder to spot than other behavioural patterns because it is so often rewarded.

This episode may speak to working professionals, high achievers, and anyone who feels their self-worth has become too closely tied to output.

Key themes include:

• what addiction is and how Alina defines it

• why work addiction is not simply long hours

• how dopamine and reward can reinforce overworking

• why work addiction is often normalised in hustle culture

• some of the early warning signs that work is taking over too much space

Part 2 continues the conversation and looks more deeply at where these patterns come from, along with recovery, resilience, and healthier boundaries.

Disclaimer

This podcast is grounded in lived experience and educational conversation. It is not therapy, crisis support, or individual professional advice.

Connect with Alina Meyer-Riad

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrresilienzstaerken/

Website:https://www.amr-resilienz-staerken.de/

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