The Fallacy of High-Functioning Addiction

Addiction doesn't always fit the stereotypes we see in movies. Many people struggling with a substance use disorder can maintain a seemingly normal life, holding down a job and keeping up with social obligations. This is often referred to as "high-functioning addiction," and it presents a unique set of challenges that can make it difficult to identify and address.

What are some signs of high-functioning addiction?

Some signs of high-functioning addiction include overconfidence in one's ability to manage substance use, normalizing the negative effects of addiction like sleep issues, and hiding substances from others. They may also engage in self-isolating tendencies.

While someone with a high-functioning addiction may appear to have everything under control, the disease is still actively compromising their physical and mental health. This false sense of security can be incredibly dangerous, and there's much more to understand about its impact.

Is "High-Functioning Addiction" Less Dangerous Than Other Forms of Addiction?

Addiction is a complex disease that continues to develop beneath the surface until addressed. While words like “addiction” may bring up stigmatized images in one's head, the fact is that addiction is a disease that can affect anyone in a variety of different ways.

Socioeconomic status, marriage status, race, level of education, or any other characteristics mean little when faced with substance abuse. These outward appearances can cause addiction to develop unnoticed if one does not fit into what someone who suffers from addiction “should” look like.

Likewise, an individual does not need to be tripping down the stairs drunk to be diagnosed with an addiction. Many of those who suffer from addiction may still have fruitful social lives or continue progress

ng towards professional ambitions. However, none of this makes addiction any less dangerous. Terms like “high-functioning addiction” can be birthed from one's ability to still tend to responsibilities, even if the reality may be much more complicated.

Addiction Is Addiction

There are many different forms that addiction can take. Some may engage in binging, where a period of time is spent engaging with these substances almost exclusively, and in high frequency and dosage.

Others may not reach a point of wholly compromising intoxication, but instead, continuously take sips of a drink or take smaller doses of drugs throughout the day – with breakfast, before work, while at lunch, and otherwise. Regardless of one's ability to tend to regular responsibilities or maintain social relationships, addiction can still embed itself in one's life. No one kind of addiction is more or less dangerous than another.

High-functioning addiction can then be a dangerous assumption. While one may still be able to tend to responsibilities, one's mental, emotional, and physical health are all still being actively compromised with each passing day. Regardless of if one is considered to be “high-functioning,” the need for change, recovery, and sobriety is still present.

The Dangers of High-Functioning Addiction

“High-functioning addiction” is simply another way that addiction can take hold of an individual's life. Those suffering from this kind of addiction often still hold down jobs, maintain a social life, and even regularly tend to any other obligations. This makes it difficult to identify the existence of a substance abuse disorder beneath the surface. However, one's ability to accomplish these tasks is often used as a method to justify one's continued use of addictive substances or disregard the potential dangers that the addictive substances have on their life.

Other traits of this type of addiction include:

• Overconfidence in one's ability to manage their use of addictive substances

• Higher risk for legal repercussions, such as public intoxication or DUI charges

• Hiding alcohol or drugs from others

• Engaging with addictive substances at work

• Normalizing the effects of substance abuse (considering sleep issues or chronic headaches “normal”)

• Self-isolating tendencies

While this is not an exhaustive list of the potential effects that addiction can have on an individual, those suffering from high-functioning addiction may find that these symptoms can be extraordinarily prevalent.

However, the greatest hallmark of those suffering from high-functioning addiction is one's ability to continuously attempt to rationalize or justify their use of addictive substances. This allows them to convince themselves and others that such behaviors are normal or within one's control, even making deals with oneself to continue this facade.

The Gateway to Further Addiction

It is this false sense of control that is incredibly dangerous, leaving an individual overconfident in their ability to manage addiction while it is still continuing to affect them, virtually unchecked. A person may have started with the ability to continue to tend to professional obligations as their use of addictive substances increased.

However, the negative effects of addiction will likely catch up with them, potentially costing them their job or simply coming to a head in a wholly negative way.

Getting help to overcome addiction, in whatever form it may take, is essential. While identifying high-functioning addiction can be difficult, it is necessary to address the unique way that this kind of addiction impacts one's life.

Getting Help

There is no easy way to overcome addiction, but getting help as soon as symptoms surface can make the transition to a sober lifestyle a bit smoother. However, knowing that addiction has many forms can help each individual approach the recovery process in a unique and personal way.

Reaching out for help with symptoms of high-functioning addiction and setting goals pertinent to one's situation – with goals and milestones catered to one's unique experiences – can help construct the proper recovery route. Despite the illusion of control that high-functioning addiction presents, addiction is a serious disease that demands active attention before further destructive routines begin to manifest.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is "high-functioning addiction" less dangerous than other forms of addiction?

No, no one kind of addiction is more or less dangerous than another. All forms of addiction compromise an individual's mental, emotional, and physical health, regardless of their ability to maintain responsibilities.

• Can someone with a high-functioning addiction still be successful professionally?

Yes, people with high-functioning addiction can often still hold down jobs and continue to progress in their professional ambitions. This is a key reason why the addiction may go unnoticed by others.

• Why is "high-functioning addiction" a dangerous term?

The term can be dangerous because it can be used to rationalize or justify continued substance use. It can create a false sense of control, leading individuals to believe their behaviors are normal and manageable.

• What are some of the dangers of this type of addiction?

The dangers include a higher risk for legal issues, like DUIs, and the negative effects on mental, emotional, and physical health that are still taking place beneath the surface.

• Is it possible to recover from high-functioning addiction?

Yes, getting help as soon as symptoms surface is essential. Constructing a recovery route with goals and milestones catered to one's unique experiences can help lead to a sober lifestyle.

---

Here at Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand that "high-functioning addiction" can create a unique set of challenges, making it difficult to seek help. Our team is committed to helping you or your loved one navigate the complex recovery process, no matter what form addiction takes. We're here to provide the compassionate support and personalized care needed to help you reclaim your life. We encourage you to take the first step with us by calling (435) 222-5225; we're ready to listen and help create a path toward lasting sobriety and wellness.

About The Author

Austin Pederson, Executive Director

Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness

Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.

Danny Warner, CEO

Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness

Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.

Ben Pearson, LCSW, Clinical Director

Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director

With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.