Stereotypical portrayals of people addicted to drugs and alcohol have left most of the world oblivious to the existence of people with functional addictions. They aren’t the people you find sleeping in until noon or missing work regularly. They’re the people who function normally and even excel at their work or school obligations while maintaining substance abuse.
For people with high-functioning addiction, realizing they have a problem and reaching out for help can be challenging. These individuals might excel in their careers, maintain social relationships, and fulfill family obligations, all while struggling with substance abuse in private. This is why understanding why and how high-functioning addiction starts is essential to getting help for your loved ones or yourself.
Definition and Characteristics of High-Functioning Addiction
High-functioning addiction refers to a pattern of substance abuse that does not significantly impair an individual’s daily life, relationships, or work performance. Despite their addiction, high-functioning addicts are able to maintain a seemingly normal life, often hiding their substance use from others.
These individuals might excel in their careers, maintain social relationships, and fulfill family obligations, all while struggling with the effects of substance abuse. The ability to keep up appearances makes it challenging for others to recognize the severity of their addiction, often delaying the intervention and treatment they need.
It is essential to understand that addiction is a disease that affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status, education, or profession. High-functioning addicts may be able to hide their addiction for extended periods, making it difficult for family members, friends, and even healthcare professionals to recognize the signs of addiction. They may not even realize the extent of their own addiction, or may be in denial.
Common Substances Used by People with High-Functioning Substance Abuse
Some of the substances most commonly used by people with functional addiction include:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Prescription medication, especially opioids and benzodiazepines
- Heroin
- Amphetamines
- Meth
- Stimulants
- Sedatives
- Marijuana
Some of these substances are legal or may be socially acceptable within their social or business circles. Highly functional addicts may also hold off on using substances until they’re home or away from their duties. However, this does not mean they aren’t addicted or aren’t reliant on drugs or alcohol to get through their day or week. It means that if their circumstances were not optimal, or if their use drastically changed (up or down), consequences might occur quickly rather than gradually.
High-Functioning Addiction is Just as Dangerous as “Regular” Addiction
People often assume that individuals with high-functioning addiction have their disorder under control or that they can stop whenever they want to. This is not the case.
A high-functioning addiction is just as dangerous, possibly more so, as normal addictions. People with functional addiction don’t think they need help. A high functioning drug addict may exhibit subtle signs of addiction, such as denial of the addiction, financial problems, and a gradual decline in overall functioning. But to them, they’re not acting like the stereotypical person addicted to drugs or alcohol. They get to work or school on time, don’t skip their obligations, and are socially active.
A high-functioning addiction is just as real and often more serious than the person who skips work and stays home while high every day. The lack of self-awareness and the belief that they are in control of their substance use puts people with high-functioning addiction at an even greater risk of chronic addiction and/or health consequences.
Common Jobs For High-Functioning Addiction
Some professions and career paths produce workers at a greater risk of developing high-functioning alcoholism or addiction. These professions are high-stress jobs where people may have easy access to addictive substances and drinking or drug use is frequently part of the culture.
Jobs that may cultivate the habits of a high-functioning addict include:
- Restaurant and food industry: These individuals often face long hours and a stressful work environment. They may use stimulants like powdered cocaine to maintain energy during shifts, and alcohol abuse can develop when most social outings among coworkers take place at restaurants.
- Construction workers: Individuals in the construction industry can face physical and mental exertion for long hours every day. This could lead to drug abuse to continue to function at a high level, or drug or alcohol abuse to be able to relax at the end of the day.
- Media and entertainment workers: People in the entertainment industry also face long hours and peer pressure to partake in drugs and alcohol. This can make drug abuse an easy outlet for their stress. But workers in the industry (at all levels) are expected to show up and do their job whenever required, which can hide the habits of many high-functioning addicts.
- Health care workers: Healthcare workers not only have high-pressure jobs, but also easy access to drugs. Their knowledge of how drugs work can significantly decrease their chances of being dysfunctional or showing withdrawal symptoms in the workplace.
Drug and alcohol abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of income level or prestige. A high functioning addict may see themselves as above other addicts because they aren’t showing visible symptoms of addiction.But despite their ability to maintain seemingly normal lives, a high-functioning addict still needs help and could still suffer dire consequences in their life.
What Are the Signs Someone Has an Addiction?
For people with functional addictions, it’s more important than ever to spot the signs of addiction early on and get them the help they need to realize they are addicted and encourage them to get treatment. Recognizing the signs of a high can be challenging, as these individuals often maintain a facade of normality while hiding significant struggles with substance abuse.
The most common signs of high-functioning addiction include:
Making excuses for their behavior
This applies to trying to explain missed meetings or activities or explaining away drug or alcohol use related behavior.
Drinking or using more drugs than planned
This can be especially true when in a relaxed or social setting, where they may not feel the need to function at a high level.
Having friends that also struggle with addiction
A functioning addict may spend a significant amount of time with them compared to other, sober friends or family members.
Feeling sick in the mornings
This can be especially true after a night out where the functioning “indulged” in drugs or alcohol as a reward.
Losing interest in hobbies or fun activities
Most people with high-functioning addiction won’t miss obligations. But when optional activities are brought up, they may opt out of attending to spend time at home drinking or using drugs.
Using a lot of drugs or alcohol when they don’t have any obligations or responsibilities
A high functioning addict may indulge in high amounts of a substance compared to restricting use while they need to focus or be present for certain events.
Using drugs or alcohol as a reward
Highly functional addicts may use substances to reward good work performance or personal achievements.
Using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress
This could be due to a high-pressure work environment or relationship-related issues.
Blacking out
A functioning addict may also not be able to remember what happened while they were drunk or high.
Experiencing intense cravings
This may occur whenever the functioning addict restricts their use to focus on work, school, or other responsibilities. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms.
Denying they have a problem
A high functioning addict may fear they aren’t exhibiting the behavior commonly shown by people addicted to drugs. People with high-functioning addiction often don’t experience a lapse in personal hygiene, may not show signs of a high on a daily basis, and don’t typically get drunk or high when they need to be alert and engage in social situations.
Hiding their drug and alcohol use
They may also lie about when and how much they used.
These signs may be difficult to notice, especially if the person struggling with addiction is a close friend or family member you trust to be honest. If you are worried a loved one may be a high functioning drug addict, your best option is to get professional advice and assistance to determine whether they need help.
Is Recovery More Challenging for People with High-Functioning Addiction?
For people with high-functioning addiction, recovery can be a far more complex process. Most of these individuals believe they have complete control over their substance use and fail to realize that they use drugs or alcohol compulsively. They tend to explain away their need to use drugs or alcohol at a given time and don’t realize they have a problem.
Finding ways to intervene or bring up the topic of addiction treatment programs may be tricky, but it is just as important for people with high-functioning addiction to get help as it is for those with regular addiction patterns. If an addiction can be addressed before negative consequences start to affect their lives, it’s easier to experience a thorough recovery.
Getting Help For High-Functioning Addiction
If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from addiction, you should seek professional help immediately. Professional addiction treatment can help intervene when denial or lying obstructs the process, and there are many addiction treatment options for individuals who feel like they can’t fully step away from their lives.
Adelante Recovery Center offers free evaluations with a counselor, as well as access to detox and dual diagnosis treatment plans to help you on your journey to recovery. For more information about these programs and how to join, contact our team today.
