Functioning Addict

You may be surprised to learn that someone who has all the trappings of success in life is an addict. In fact, doctors, attorneys, business executives, and famous celebrities are just as vulnerable to addiction as anyone else. Functioning addicts can be found in all walks of life, including in professions you might not expect.

What is a Functioning Addict?

A functioning addict, also referred to as high-functioning or functional, is someone who does not exhibit any signs of substance abuse. By all appearances, these men and women seem to be quite successful in life. They excel in their chosen career, are married with children, and seem to be fit and healthy. The addicts may appear to have it all together, but in fact are struggling with substance use disorder.

While most people afflicted with drug or alcohol addiction do display the outward signs, about one-fifth of addicts do not. They are able to hide the signs of addiction from colleagues, friends, and family members and fulfill their responsibilities.

Higher rates of functioning addicts are present in certain high-stress careers. These include:

• Lawyers
• Law enforcement
• Healthcare professionals
• Business executives

Those who struggle with addiction behind closed doors may be able to keep their secret for a while. However, in time the damage caused by drug addiction cannot be hidden.

9 Signs of a High-Functioning Addict

Addiction is a progressive disease that if left untreated will eventually result in serious life-altering consequences. While a functioning addict may still be able to engage in normal work and social activities, slowly they will decline. 

Here are 9 traits of high-functioning addicts:

1. Compartmentalizing. Functioning addicts are adept at concealing their secret addiction by hiding it away in a tidy compartment of their life. They do this by closely monitoring their appearance and behaviors when in the presence of coworkers, spouses, and family members.
2. Rationalizing. Individuals that are closet addicts will go to great lengths to justify the substance use. Some may believe their drug use helps them be more focused and productive at work. Others assure themselves that the substance helps relieve their chronic pain. They point to their ability to function well at work, despite their reliance on drugs.
3. Being high achievers. The high-functioning addict tends to be very driven toward achieving success. Working long hours under heavy stress are features of such high achievers, although those work conditions may contribute to addiction. The person may start relying on pills to maintain this level of commitment to their work.
4. Secrecy. A key feature of the closet addict is secrecy. They tend to save the substance use for when they are away from the watchful eyes of colleagues. It is common for the functional addict to live what amounts to a double life. On a daily basis, their public persona contrasts sharply with their private life.
5. Maintaining relationships. Very often the functional addict is married and has a family. They are also active socially, playing golf, pickle ball or tennis, and other activities with friends. As the substance use worsens, though, these relationships will become strained.
6. Denial. A hallmark feature of the closet addict is their denial of having any kind of substance problem. A forceful denial is how they respond to a colleague, friend, or spouse who confronts them about their drug use. Many times, the person truly believes they do not have a problem.
7. Maintaining finances. For a while at least, the functioning addict is able to continue working and meeting his or her financial obligations. This eventually becomes harder to manage as the addiction takes a toll on their personal finances.
8. Masking withdrawal symptoms. Once addiction takes hold, withdrawal symptoms become a daily challenge for the addict. In an effort to mask the symptoms, they may resort to taking other substances to offset withdrawals at work.
9. Physical and mental changes. Despite all the above efforts made to hide a substance use disorder, eventually the damage becomes evident. Though the person may keep trying to hide their addiction, changes in mood state and appearance will become apparent.

Functional Addicts and Prescription Pills

While alcohol and illicit drugs like cocaine or marijuana are prevalent among high-functioning addicts, prescription pills are also common. Some people struggle with chronic pain and become dependent on opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone to manage it. Others may have had a recent surgery and became hooked on the prescription painkillers. In some cases, the person may turn to a cheaper drug like heroin to replace the pills when refused refills.

Stimulant drugs like Adderall are becoming a problem among young professionals. Stimulants increase activity in the central nervous system, boosting energy and focus. As tolerance increases, the person increases the dosage to chase the effects experienced earlier, and this often results in addiction.

Treatment Options for High-Functioning Addicts

When the time comes that the individual is ready to conquer the substance use disorder, there are treatment options to choose from. An outpatient program is fine for someone with a mild substance use disorder, or as a step down after rehab. For those with a moderate to severe addiction, the residential treatment option is best.

Here is what to expect in treatment for substance use disorder:

• Withdrawal management: The recovery journey begins with detox and withdrawal. A medical detox team guides withdrawal management, providing interventions and support throughout the process.
• Individual therapy: During the one-on-one therapy sessions, a psychotherapist helps individuals identify factors that may be driving the addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy guides individuals in breaking disordered thought and behavior patterns while shifting toward healthy, productive ones.
• Group counseling: Group therapy provides an opportunity to connect with fellow peers in recovery on a deeper level. A group facilitator encourages the participants to share personal experiences and struggles with each other.
• Holistic therapies: Holistic activities complement tradition therapy and include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, dance movement therapy, and art therapy.

Wellness Retreat Recovery Center Addiction Treatment Solutions

Wellness Retreat Recovery Center offers the full-spectrum of addiction recovery services, including medical detox, residential, and outpatient rehab. If you or someone you care about is a functioning addict, we are here to provide comprehensive treatment and support. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our program at (877) 454-7158.