Are there times when you feel like whatever you do is never enough? Do you sometimes feel like you are not really the person everyone believes you are? 

Do you feel like a fraud and your achievements are not really the result of your hard work? If so you probably feel pressured to do more to prove yourself to your co-workers, friends, and family and to earn their recognition. 

Well, you are not alone. You are just one of the many people who suffer from a psychological condition known as imposter syndrome. In this post, we look at what imposter syndrome is and why it sometimes leads to drug and alcohol addiction. 

What Exactly is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is basically a psychological distortion that affects a person’s mental health and well-being. 

Most international journals of behavioral studies define imposter syndrome as “a persistent inability to accept that one’s success has been achieved legitimately or deserved.”

The condition makes an individual doubt his or her achievements. Most people suffering from imposter syndrome state they feel like a fraud, undeserving of their achievements, and basically insecure in their workplace, school, or social circles. 

They feel pressured to work even harder to make themselves even more worthy of whatever they have. 

What Are the Typical Symptoms of the Condition? 

Symptoms of imposter syndrome vary from one individual to another. 

Typical symptoms may include the following:

  • A strong belief that success is impossible to achieve.
  • Stuck with a feeling of incompetence even after proving one’s competency.
  • Fear of failing to meet other people’s expectations.
  • Belief that one’s successes in the past were just a mere stroke of luck rather than hard work and competence.
  • Not feeling comfortable with praise or even simple congratulations.
  • Forever doubtful of one’s success.
  • Constant pressure to outdo yourself.
  • Anxiety and depression caused by feelings of inadequacy.

Types of Imposter Syndrome

According to experts, imposter syndrome can be characterized into several categories or subtypes. All people who suffer from the condition fall into one or more of the following subtypes: 

1. Perfectionist 

These are people who constantly struggle to be their outright best, regardless of the effects of their struggles on their mental health. The perfectionist typically sets standards for themselves that are most of the time impossible to achieve. 

2. Superman or Superwoman

Individuals in this subtype of imposter syndrome usually struggle with work addiction. They often find themselves inadequate when compared to others. The superman or superwoman will always push themselves harder at all times regardless of the cost of the efforts to their physical and mental health. 

3. Genius

This is typically a person who not only struggles with perfectionism but further strives to achieve impossibly high goals on the first attempt. The natural genius feels shameful or unworthy if he or she fails to achieve a lofty goal on the first try.

4. Expert

An expert in this case is a person who is never satisfied with his or her achievements despite being very knowledgeable about the topic or task. These are people who are always pressured to match others who may even be less competent. 

5. Soloist

A soloist usually finds it extremely difficult to ask for help from others. People in this category struggle to prove their own worth and tend to believe others are not as competent as they are. They are not usually the best team players in the workplace. 

Imposter Syndrome and How it Relates to Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Imposter syndrome is not entirely categorized as a mental illness but it is a distortive pattern of thinking with similar symptoms to other mental illnesses. 

The condition is always characterized by strong feelings of inadequacy which can lead to other forms of mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, or even substance addiction. 

When a person suffering from imposter syndrome is always facing internal pressure and confusion and may easily turn to alcohol or substance abuse as a way to relieve the pressure. 

There are also many people struggling to recover from both drug and alcohol addiction and imposter syndrome. The good news is that recovery is possible with the help of professionals at Innovo Detox.

Get Professional Help for Imposter Syndrome and Substance Abuse at Innovo Detox 

At Innovo Detox, we focus on helping individuals suffering from all types of addiction and co-occurring conditions such as imposter syndrome regain their mental health through the power of detox services and holistic therapy. 

We believe that everyone deserves a healthy life and opportunities to grow. However, when imposter syndrome steals your mindset creating anxiety and self-doubt, you could easily fall into drug and alcohol addiction.

If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorders, please give us a call. Innovo Detox offers the latest in evidence-based medical, psychiatric, and clinical care for those in need of detox and medical stabilization in Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or a loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a detox, rehab, treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (717) 912-4297 or email our team at info@innovodetox.com. For more information on our company or services, please visit our website at www.innovodetox.com.