Many movies show the dangers of drug addiction by portraying users sadly living alone or on the streets. They cannot hold a job or handle a relationship with their family.
In reality, though, a person can be a ‘functioning addict,’ which lets them slip through the cracks with their addictions.
Functioning or high-functioning addicts are defined as those who seem like they can live their lives normally — or even above average — while under the influence. Because they can hold a job, pay their bills, and juggle their family responsibilities, they don’t think they have a problem.
But if anyone were to look closely, substance abuse treatment massachusetts they’d see the cracks in the addict’s veneer, the warning signs that their addiction is taking over. How can you tell if someone is a functioning addict, and if they are, how can you get them help? We’ll discuss the answers to those questions in this blog.
1. The Signs of Functioning Addiction
In most cases of addiction, it’s easy to spot the signs of an issue. The person using a substance can’t juggle their addiction plus normal life, and their work, home, and health begin visibly falling apart.
But in the case of a functioning addict, the signs are less obvious. The addict has learned how to live their regular life while keeping a hold of the addiction that makes them “feel good.” They think that because they can control when they use their preferred substance, such as waiting until after they put their kids to bed, they don’t have an addiction.
The truth is that these high-functioning addicts have been using drugs or alcohol for so long that it’s possible for them to keep their two lives separate. Many functioning addicts are professionals with respectable careers.
Because they work so hard, they think they need something to help them maintain their activity level. Their drugs of choice are often stimulants like methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, or heroin. If they want to escape from their worries, they turn to alcohol, sedatives, or other prescription pills.
The main character trait of a functioning addict is that their dependency on their addiction will continue to grow. Eventually, they will need more and more of a substance to function, and this will become apparent to those around them.
2. How Loved Ones Can Avoid Enabling
Functioning addicts usually get by as long as they do because someone in their family is enabling them. They may not realize what they’re doing, but their behaviors are encouraging the addict to continue their use.
Enablers could be anyone from a family member or close friend to a coworker or client. These individuals are in a place where they can help the addict continue using by making excuses for them, serving as an alibi, or even providing them with the substance when they can’t access it themselves.
As long as the addict has at least one enabler, it’s easier for them to deny they have any issues, or that their addiction is hurting others. If you want to avoid enabling someone you think is a functioning addict, make sure you allow them to face the consequences of their choices, even if it gets them in trouble.
If you see someone else covering up their mistakes or giving them money/paying their bills, consider letting them know how they’re actually hurting the addict, not helping them. Reach out to a recovery center, like Studio City Recovery, to learn how to best have this conversation and get your loved one the help they need to quit their addiction.
3. Getting Help for a Functioning Addict
As someone who cares about an addict, you want them to get help before things get worse. However, most functioning addicts won’t accept that help is necessary until they hit a hard patch (often rock bottom).
Because of this, it can be challenging to convince functioning addicts to enter rehab. They’ll have endless excuses as to why they don’t need a recovery center or can’t go. They’ll likely be concerned about how rehab would damage their reputation, financial situation, and personal life. In some cases, they may already have gone through rehab and don’t believe it works.
You may not want to do it, but if they refuse help, it’s your job to take care of you and your loved ones. This requires strong boundary-setting behaviors.
If the addict gets into legal trouble, don’t step in to help them pay for their lawyer or fines. Let them know you won’t lie for them or cover up their actions or the results.
It may get to the point where you have to cut ties with them completely. When it gets that far, be sure you let them know that it doesn’t have to be a forever thing if they are able to get help, but that while they’re using, they aren’t allowed around you or your family.
At first, the addict will most likely blame you instead of their addiction. But if enough people are strong enough to ensure they see the consequences of their substance use, they will be more open to getting help.
Conclusion
Dealing with functioning addicts often requires a focus on you rather than the addict. Until you or another enabler stop assisting them in their addiction, they will continue to deny a problem until they hit rock bottom or their substance use turns deadly.
Addiction always becomes progressive. Without help, it will get worse. Contact a recovery center today to find out how you can encourage your loved one seek help.
