High Functioning Alcoholism Is the Workplace Problem Nobody Talks About with Sarah Allen Benton

In this eye-opening episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Sarah Allen Benton, licensed mental health counselor, treatment program owner, and author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic: Breaking the Cycle and Finding Hope. Together, they unravel one of the most misunderstood issues affecting modern professionals and workplaces today: high‑functioning alcoholism.

Sarah shares her personal journey to sobriety, the psychology behind addiction, and the cultural and workplace systems that keep high achievers hidden in plain sight. She offers practical guidance for leaders and HR professionals on creating healthier work cultures, supporting employees in recovery, and recognizing silent struggles before they escalate.

This conversation is raw, insightful, and essential for anyone committed to fostering a workplace where people can truly thrive. This is a powerful conversation that every workplace leader, team member, and caring human should hear.

Key Timestamps

00:02 — Brandon welcomes guest Sarah Allen Benton to discuss high‑functioning alcoholism. 00:39 — How high-functioning alcoholism hides in plain sight. 01:53 — What defines an alcoholic vs. a high-functioning alcoholic. 02:43 — The danger of craving, obsession, and loss of control. 03:19 — Sarah's personal story: from early drinking to "functioning" success. 05:04 — The strict rules high-functioning alcoholics create to justify drinking. 06:15 — Reaching a breaking point and the failed attempts to control alcohol. 07:03 — Sobriety begins: the moment things had to change. 08:20 — The internal motivators that pushed Sarah to recovery. 09:17 — The illusion of "not hitting bottom" and why accountability matters. 10:43 — Why Sarah believes the workplace is full of high-functioning alcoholics. 12:06 — The harmful stereotype of the "chronic severe alcoholic" and why it misleads us. 13:37 — How workplace culture and performance expectations keep problems hidden. 15:05 — The legal field and professions with high rates of alcohol use disorder. 16:28 — How alcohol becomes normalized in workplace cultures. 17:20 — Why alcohol-centered workplace events can be harmful. 18:03 — Rethinking workplace wellness: burnout, alcohol, and healthier alternatives. 19:26 — Younger generations drinking less—what it means for culture. 20:20 — How alcohol-focused events impact employees in recovery. 22:42 — Respecting personal choices: why some people don't drink. 23:18 — The moments and seasons that make sobriety hardest. 25:22 — What happens in the brain: genetics, dopamine, and self-medication. 28:42 — When alcohol stops "working" and the fear that follows. 29:01 — Talking to kids about alcohol and family risk factors. 31:54 — Shame, guilt, and the stigma surrounding alcoholism. 35:47 — Building pride in recovery and finding support. 36:50 — What leaders and HR can do to support employees struggling or in recovery. 39:18 — The first step someone can take if they're questioning their alcohol use. 41:14 — Where to find Sarah's work and additional resources.

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Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws

In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

About Xenium HR

Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/

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