In the News
Recently, I have read national and local new articles relating to the impact of the financial crisis - including layoffs, foreclosures, decline in value of retirement accounts, etc. - on suicides, domestic violence, and substance abuse. From these news stories, it would appear that Americans are struggling with anger, stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems To read one such full article, click on:
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/10/25/1025mental.html
Admittedly, it has been a tough year for some real estate professionals. Real estate professionals are no less vulnerable to suicide, domestic violence and substance abuse than others. In fact, real estate and other professionals are proportionately overrepresented among those battling alcoholism, drug addiction and other mental health problems. This may be attributed to the nature of these professions - including isolation, heavy workloads, intense competition, and daily stress. The purpose of this post is to increase awareness of this potential problem.
The Symptoms of Problem Drinking
To the best of my knowledge, there is no precise diagnostic test to determine whether problem drinking constitutes alcohol dependence or alcoholism. Nevertheless, there are some common reported symptoms: • Neglect of Other Activities • Excessive Alcohol Use • Impaired Control over Alcohol Use • Persistence of Alcohol Use • Large Amounts of Time Spent in Alcohol Related Activities • Withdrawal if No Alcohol Use • Increased Alcohol Tolerance.
Although there may be no precise diagnostic tests, there are screening tests, surveys and questions that may provide some indication of whether or not there is a drinking problem. For more information on self-assessment screening tests, click on: http://alcoholism.about.com/od/tests/a/aa040702.htm.
Hypothetical Situation
Joe was named a principal in his real estate firm and was liked and respected by colleagues within and outside his firm. He enjoyed working as a part of the team. Although he was known as a heavy drinker, he always got the job done and done well. However, his personality, behaviors and work ethic changed. He began arriving late and leaving earlier. He seemed moody and irritable. He missed deadlines. His attention to detail and customer service changed. Clients and other agent complained that he missed appointments and that he was difficult to reach. Joe's team members were subordinate and were in no position to confront him; the other principals did not want to offend the rainmaker, and colleagues outside of the firm saw problems - but did not know the big picture.
If you are Joe's partner, consider the following:
• If there are performance problems, address and/or confront your partner regarding these problems. Do not let these problems remain unaddressed. Alcoholism is not an excuse for poor performance.
• If you have a group health policy or employee assistance program, determine whether there is coverage for substance abuse counseling and refer your partner to a qualified substance abuse professional.
• If your state or local association has a substance or mental health program, refer your partner to the program. PLEASE POST A COMMENT IF YOUR ASSOCIATION HAS SUCH A PROGRAM. Awareness of these state and local programs is important.
• If your partner is willing, refer him to Alcoholic Anonymous. Attend an open meeting with him. Local meetings can be found at: http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=28.
Note: The opinions and statements contained herein represent my personal opinions and observations. These blog entries are not reviewed, endorsed or approved for publication by Gilded Age, L.L.C., Gilded Age Sales, L.L.C. or Preservation Real Estate Advisors, L.L.C.
Disclaimer: The author is a licensed attorney. However, the opinions and statements contained herein are for informational and discussion purposes only and shall not constitute the provision of legal advice. Nothing contained herein shall establish an attorney-client relationship. Readers are cautioned to seek legal counsel in their state before using or relying upon any of the information contained herein.
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