What is Functional Addiction?
Addiction is something that can eventually lead to multiple oppressive problems in one’s life. It doesn’t start that way and some people may even be able to function in society and their life seemingly without too many negative side effects even though they may have alcohol or drug addiction.
A functioning addiction may project normalcy to the outside but that doesn’t mean that the problems of substance abuse aren’t present. There may be a clinically-diagnosable substance use disorder (addiction) but the person may still be able to perform their work duties and function around the house and in their social life.
However, many of these situations are born out of the addicted person hiding their addiction well and while they may seem to be doing fine in their life, substance addiction is still impeding many areas and is likely to become worse given enough time – the science behind addiction and the negative effects it has on someone’s mental and physical health is a reality.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Signs Someone May Be a Functional Addict
A functioning addict or a high functioning addict still has many signs that indicate that they are suffering from a mental health disorder known as substance use disorder. The double life that they lead will leave signs that they can see themselves or others may be able to notice. Signs of functioning addiction include the following:
- Often make excuses for their behavior such as feeling that they should be rewarded for their hard work or blaming other things for negative behavior.
- Frequently using more drugs or drinking more alcohol than they initially intended – one drink turning into six or one afternoon of drug use turning into the whole weekend.
- Having friends that are also heavy drinkers or friends with other people who take drugs.
- Experiencing “illness” frequently such as headaches, aches and pains, fatigue, or being moody among other symptoms that can be easily attributed to substance abuse, especially during mornings.
- Lose interest in hobbies that used to be enjoyed but are no longer done because drug or alcohol abuse takes priority.
- Isolation can be another sign that someone may be trying to hide their substance addiction from others together with the isolating effects of addiction.
- Unexplained financial problems can also be an indicator that a person’s priority has shifted toward supporting their drug or alcohol addiction.
- Denial that any problem exists including saying things such as “I don’t get affected by hangovers” or “I just have drugs or alcohol to unwind after work and I can stop any time”. No one is immune to the physical and psychological effects that long-term substance abuse creates.
Do Functional Addicts Need Treatment?
If you or someone you care about has the signs of functional addiction, then it’s important to look truthfully at the negative effects that drug or alcohol abuse has on one’s life. It may be that the substance abuse has been going on for so many years that a person loses the ability to see just how bad it has become, thinking that their mental and physical problems and any other issues that may be surfacing are just normal when they can be attributed to drug or alcohol addiction.
Getting professional addiction treatment at top-rated, accredited rehab centers can create significant improvements in many areas of the function addict’s life. The negative effects that long-term alcohol and drug abuse have on a person are not something that can be ignored; eventually, these problems will overwhelm a person and lead to a cascade of problems.
Addiction Treatment for Working Professionals
Union First helps its members to get the behavioral health treatment and substance use disorder treatment that they deserve. We understand the importance of mental health and how substance abuse can slowly but surely chip away at everything that you hold dear in your life. Our rehab placement services can help you to get professional addiction treatment and mental health services without needing to worry about which rehab might be right for you.
Along with placement services for alcohol and drug rehab, we offer job protection; we help you to keep your job so that you can come back to it after getting the help that you need and deserve. Call Union First today to find out more about our employee assistance program for our members so that you can help yourself to live your best life.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.