Professionals Program for Men · Continuing Education
Addiction & The High Achiever
A conversation on identity, shame, and the path forward.
High performers carry a particular kind of weight — the success that looks like proof of strength on the outside often hides a private struggle with addiction underneath. In this eight-part conversation, Dr. Stephanie Emde unpacks why addiction is so prevalent among high achievers, how identity and shame keep men from seeking help, and what real next steps look like.
Who This Is For
Different fields. Same weight.
Built for men whose success on the outside often hides what’s happening underneath — executives, founders, athletes, and high performers in every arena.
The Boardroom
He carries the company.
The Climb
He climbs alone.
The Field
He has no room to fall.
The Conversation
Watch at your own pace.
Eight short videos — each one a single question, in plain language. Watch in order, or jump to whichever question you need most today.
How does the sense of identity impact high performers?
How does shame and the stigma around sexual addiction keep high achievers from addressing problematic behaviors?
How has technology changed process addiction behaviors?
Is sex addiction a disease?
After screening, what are the next steps you can take?
What is the criteria for diagnosing sex addiction?
What is a good next step for someone who wants to learn or engage more with this subject?
If you or someone you love is struggling
You don’t have to walk this road alone.
Learn About the ProgramValiant Living · Professionals Program for Men