Addiction & The High Achiever — Valiant Living
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.
With Dr. Stephanie Emde, PsyD — Chief Growth Officer, Valiant Living
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.
01 Question One
Why is addiction so prevalent with high achievers?
02 Question Two
How does the sense of identity impact high performers?
03 Question Three
How does shame and the stigma around sexual addiction keep high achievers from addressing problematic behaviors?
04 Question Four
How has technology changed process addiction behaviors?
05 Question Five
Is sex addiction a disease?
06 Question Six
After screening, what are the next steps you can take?
07 Question Seven
What is the criteria for diagnosing sex addiction?
08 Question Eight
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.
Valiant Living · Professionals Program for Men