What psychological experience do workaholics report feeling from accumulating rewards of hard work?

Workaholics often report experiencing a euphoric high from the accumulation of rewards tied to their hard work. This feeling stems from the sense of achievement, validation, and satisfaction that comes from meeting goals and being recognized for their efforts. The drive for productivity can activate the brain’s reward systems, leading to increased dopamine levels, which contribute to feelings of pleasure and excitement. This euphoric high can reinforce workaholic behaviors, causing individuals to seek more work and rewards to maintain that pleasurable state.

While it is possible for workaholics to experience anxiety or guilt regarding their dedication to work, these feelings generally do not produce the same immediate sense of joy or satisfaction associated with achieving work goals. Therefore, the euphoric high is a defining characteristic of the psychological experience that workaholics tend to report when they reflect on the outcomes of their labor.