How To Help A Functioning Addict In 3 Steps

Addictions often gets lumped together. This creates a stereotype of lives visibly falling apart. But there’s a less obvious side to addiction, especially when it comes to functioning addicts.

A “functioning addict” is someone who seems to lead a normal life – they have a job, maintain relationships, and handle their daily tasks – yet they’re battling addiction.

This form of addiction is tricky. It hides the real struggle that’s going on underneath and keeps alive the false idea that addiction only has one face.

Note: Clinicians in the field never use the term “addict” or “alcoholic” to describe individuals dealing with substance use. Humans are not the sum of what they do, and shouldn’t be labeled as such. Additionally, functioning “addict” is a misnomer. If you’re using any substance, you’re “under the influence.” Your work, relationships, schooling, etc, will suffer because you’re not accessing your frontal lobe, your judgment center. “Functioning addict is synonymous with denial.” – Dr. Brady Schroer

What Is A Functioning Addict?

A functioning addict is someone who abuses substances but still maintains jobs, relationships, and other aspects of life that are usually disrupted by addiction. Many functioning addicts go unnoticed by others or fail to recognize they have a problem themselves, making it a dangerous lifestyle. Figuring out if someone is a functioning addict can be hard. They often knowingly or unknowingly put up a front that hides what’s going on inside. A high-functioning addict typically:

• Drinks or uses drugs to deal with stress: Are they turning to substances regularly for stress relief, socializing, or unwinding after a long day?
• Denies any accusations of substance abuse: Are they hiding their substance use or making it seem less than it is, often with a strong refusal to admit there’s a problem?
• Rationalizes their behavior: Are they justifying their substance use as a reward or as something needed to get through the day?
• Experiences mood changes: Are there noticeable changes in behavior, mood swings, or losing interest in activities they used to enjoy?

There’s a real contrast in the life of a functioning addict. They might be nailing it at work or seem to have a perfect family life, but inside, they’re fighting a tough battle with addiction. This ability to keep up appearances can make it harder for them to seek help, and this can prolong the damage of their substance abuse.

3 Hidden Side Effects of “Functioning” Addicts

Even though functioning addicts might seem okay on the outside, they’re dealing with a lot of hidden struggles. These issues often fly under the radar because they’re good at handling their day-to-day life. But the side effects of hidden addiction are deep and varied:

• Mental health challenges: Constant substance use can bring on a range of mental health problems, like anxiety and depression. Sometimes, it can make existing mental health issues even worse. The stress of living a double life —one that’s normal on the surface and another consumed by addiction — is difficult and not unsustainable.
• Physical health problems: The long-term physical effects of drug use can be serious. Some of these can be liver damage, heart problems, or a weakened immune system. These might not appear immediately, but they can have lasting impacts.
• Emotional strain: Functioning addicts often feel alone and are filled with guilt and shame. They’re caught between their addiction and the life they show the world, which leads to a deep emotional disconnect from themselves and others.

How To Help A Functioning Addict: Step 1

Most functioning addicts physically and mentally rely on alcohol, opioids, or another substance to make it through their days. However, once they quit or reduce drug use, their body can physically panic and induce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This is why we always recommend starting addiction treatment with medical detox. Here’s what it involves:

• Supervised withdrawal: In medical detox, healthcare professionals closely monitor the withdrawal process. Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening ones, so it’s best to have someone around who can listen to your needs and administer the proper support.
• Holistic support: Medical detox also offers emotional and psychological support to tackle the deeper issues tied to addiction.
• Stepping stone to recovery: Medical detox isn’t a one-stop solution for addiction, but it opens the door to long-term treatment and recovery. It sets the stage for the therapies and interventions that follow, which are key for lasting recovery from addiction.

If you or a loved one is abusing cocaine, check out this great article on the importance of cocaine detox. 

How To Help A Functioning Addict: Step 2

After detox, the next step to help a functioning addict is a full- or part-time addiction treatment program.

• Residential addiction treatment: Residential or inpatient treatment programs provide the highest level of care and support functioning addicts need to establish the foundations of recovery. Participants attend individual therapy, group sessions, holistic healing classes, and more. Our partnered residential treatment center in Knoxville, TN, is the perfect place for functioning addicts to rebuild their lives after drug abuse.
• Outpatient addiction treatment: Partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and day treatment programs both allow participants to attend addiction treatment during the day and return home in the afternoon. These programs are perfect for functioning addicts transitioning out of residential treatment or individuals who can’t sacrifice day-to-day responsibilities.

How To Help A Functioning Addict: Step 3

Recovery isn’t a permanent thing you can achieve once and walk away from. Aftercare programs help functioning addicts who’ve left treatment stay in touch with the treatment center and recovery community. The relationships and skills you build in addiction treatment are worth the long-term upkeep.

Learn more about the signs, timeline, and how the detox process works for heroin addiction here. 

Start Healing With Asheville Detox Center

Taking the first step towards recovery as a functioning addict is a courageous move on the path to true well-being. The journey from hidden addiction to a healthier, substance-free life is made up of several important stages. Asheville Detox Center is here to help you start.

• Our medically supervised detox program lays the groundwork for a successful recovery.
• The path continues beyond detox. Asheville Detox Center offers ongoing support and care, providing the necessary resources for lasting sobriety and well-being.

For anyone looking for assistance with addiction, Asheville Detox Center is a place of compassion, expertise, and ongoing support, ideal for beginning the journey to a healthier life. Call, email, or fill out a form, and one of our compassionate admissions agents can walk you through the process, help you with insurance verification, and answer any questions you’ve been holding onto.