High performers don’t struggle with addiction despite their success, many struggle because of it.

In this raw, eye-opening conversation, Aaron Velky sits down with addiction and self-leadership expert Craig Perra to unpack why entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and elite performers are disproportionately vulnerable to addiction, self-sabotage, and destructive coping patterns.

This episode isn’t just about drugs or alcohol.

It’s about work addiction, porn, fitness extremes, hustle culture, dopamine habits, emotional suppression, and the hidden cost of ambition.

You’ll learn:

- Why ambition and addiction are deeply correlated

- How high performers use success to avoid pain

- The real reason discipline alone doesn’t fix bad habits

- Why “just stopping” addictive behaviors rarely works

- How self-leadership (not willpower) creates lasting change

- Why the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection

Craig shares his own journey from executive burnout, addiction, and rock bottom to building a globally recognized framework that helps high performers reclaim control without losing their edge.

If you’re successful on the outside but feel conflicted, reactive, or out of alignment on the inside, this conversation will hit home.

This episode is for entrepreneurs who want growth without self-destruction.

Learn more about Craig’s work: https://mindfulhabitmastery.com

Why High Performers Are MORE Likely To Become Addicted