Imposter syndrome is, unfortunately, quite a common phenomenon. It’s frequently experienced by high-achieving or highly skilled individuals, and it can make these people doubt their own abilities and achievements – leading to anxiety, depression and other issues.

Addiction and imposter syndrome may overlap, especially if the individual involved turns to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism or in an attempt at self-medication.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome may also be known by other names, including imposter phenomenon, fraud syndrome, impostorism, and perceived fraudulence. It was first described as a mental health issue in the 1970s and has since become widely recognised.

The condition is described as self-doubt of intellect, skills or accomplishments, often among high-achieving individuals, despite the existing evidence. This can lead the person to fear being exposed as an ‘imposter’. It can lead to a number of symptoms and consequences, including fear of both failure and success, excessive perfectionism, over-preparedness and an inability to internalise or accept any success and accomplishments.

Imposter syndrome seems to be particularly prevalent in the medical profession but is also common in other professions and highly skilled jobs. To greater or lesser degrees, it can affect absolutely anyone. In fact, one study found that around seven in ten people from all walks of life have felt like impostors for at least some part of their careers.

Imposter syndrome mental health impacts can include intense anxiety and depression. It can also lead or contribute to substance misuse and addiction.

Imposter syndrome is linked with a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy and a belief that any successes have been achieved fraudulently or by accident. It can be accompanied by a fear of failing to meet other people’s expectations but also a fear of continuing success that keeps the ‘imposter’ cycle going.

Drugs or alcohol can be seen as a way to cope with these feelings, numb emotional distress and escape from the stress and anxiety related to the condition. Ultimately, any escape through drugs and alcohol will only be temporary and is far more likely to make the situation worse. The negative feelings associated with imposter syndrome and substance misuse can feed on each other in a vicious cycle, and the individual’s sense of self-worth and value can continue to suffer.

The more they turn to alcohol or drugs, the more likely they are to develop a habit or dependence, which is how imposter syndrome leads to addiction.

Why Imposter Syndrome and Addiction Often Co-Exist

Imposter syndrome and addiction can have a very complex relationship, just like substance misuse and other mental health issues. UK studies have found that between 20–37% of patients in mental health settings and 6–15% of people in addiction recovery settings require simultaneous treatment for both addiction and a severe mental illness or psychiatric disorder. The proportion of people suffering from substance misuse issues and milder but still severe mental health issues is likely to be much higher.

This is known as dual diagnoses, and the two (or more) strands can have different effects and relationships. In some cases, substance misuse or addiction itself can trigger mental health symptoms such as depression or anxiety. In others, existing mental health issues lead to increasing substance use and potential addiction as the person attempts to numb themselves or self-medicate their symptoms.

This will often be the case when people are suffering from imposter syndrome, resulting in that vicious cycle of lowered self-esteem, mental health issues and increasing substance misuse.

Recognising the Signs of Imposter Syndrome and Addiction

Some common signs of imposter syndrome can include:

  • Feeling unworthy of success
  • Fearing you will be exposed as a fraud
  • Over-preparing work, perfectionism, working to exhaustion
  • Feeling any success is down to luck or ‘cheating.’
  • Difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback
  • Giving up due to fear of failure – ‘confirming’ your imposter status

Common signs of a developing addiction or substance misuse disorder can include:

  • Using more and more of the substance.
  • Continuing to drink or use despite negative consequences.
  • Being unable to quit or cut down.
  • Getting regularly intoxicated – having no ‘off switch’.
  • Becoming secretive or defensive about your drinking or drug use.
  • Using in inappropriate situations, such as at work, before driving or when in charge of children.
  • Worrying about getting the next drink or fix.
  • Avoiding situations where you can’t drink or use drugs.
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink or use drugs.

Several symptoms, such as growing anxiety or depression, can be common to both imposter treatment and addiction.

Treatment Options for Imposter Syndrome and Addiction

Imposter syndrome treatment usually involves a range of talking therapies. These techniques include group therapy, individual psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).

These are also all valuable tools for overcoming addiction, although there may be physical steps involved as well. Detoxification is often a vital part of addiction recovery, as quitting drugs or alcohol may be accompanied by a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, as well as intense cravings.

A managed detox can help you to get sober, but therapies like the ones outlined above can also help you address the root causes and psychological aspects of your substance misuse and addiction.

Where addiction and mental health issues such as imposter syndrome occur at the same time. It is always best to treat both with dual diagnosis treatment – as leaving one element could potentially trigger a relapse in the other.

Coping Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Without Turning to Addiction

Even without professional treatment or therapies, there are steps you can take to work on imposter syndrome without turning to drugs or alcohol.

These can include learning the facts about imposter syndrome and sharing your feelings with others. It would help if you worked towards embracing your successes while sharing rather than trying to hide any genuine mistakes and failures.

If you’re struggling to cope and feel as though you might have developed a dependency, please get in touch with our team today.

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