In societal view and popular culture, addiction is often depicted through deep struggle, homelessness, life-threatening overdoses, and the dramatic collapse of one’s life from their job to their family connections. However, many people with a substance use disorder could be deemed “functional” addicts, who go about their daily lives seemingly undeterred by the effects of substance use.
Indeed,high-functioning addiction could be considered a hidden epidemic. These individuals thrive in their personal and professional lives, all the while hiding the battle they are having with substances.
Nick Padlo, CEO of Sophros Recovery, a Florida outpatient rehab and addiction treatment center with counselors located in Jacksonville, FL, knows all too well the struggle a seemingly functional individual has when trying to hide an addiction. He battled substance addiction while building his first company, and he considered himself functional — until he wasn’t.
“The facade of normalcy can mask a significant problem,” Padlo explains. “Many people are suffering in silence.”
High-functioning addiction explained
According to Padlo, speaking as a treatment center alumnus himself, high-functioning addicts may be highly successful professionals, engaged parents, or active members of society and their local communities. “One can be considered a high-functioning addict if they seem to be managing their everyday life and responsibilities well, all while hiding substance abuse,” he says.
However, despite their outward success, these people are often like ducks swimming on calm water but furiously paddling underneath the surface to stay ahead of their substance use. Their attempts to cover their addiction could be marked by wild mood swings, denial, depression, self-isolation, and neglect of their personal care. People who seem to have it all together may be able to hide their addictions longer than most, but the facade they create can lead to their addiction deepening and their mask eventually slipping.
The hidden dangers of hiding drug and alcohol addiction
While it may seem as if high-functioning addicts are in better shape than those whose use has a noticeable negative impact on every aspect of their lives, there are some hidden dangers and health risks to high-functioning addiction and prolonged substance abuse. Some of these include organ damage, certain cancers, mental health impact, and the ever-present risk of overdose.
There is also a significant emotional strain present when one is struggling to hide their addiction. “Wearing that mask is exhausting,” says Padlo. “Eventually, the anxiety, the depression, and the emotional toll become too much.”
Hidden addictions also eventually negatively affect a person’s relationships, including family connections, friends, and workplace relationships. The secrecy required to live as a high-functioning addict can eat away at trust within relationships and can be very difficult to rebuild.
Lastly, high-functioning addicts are typically not going to seek treatment at a drug rehab center or in-depth therapy until they reach rock bottom, which can take far longer when one is in denial about their issue for so long. “The road to recovery can be very challenging when you’re waiting for a major crisis to occur before seeking help,” says Padlo.
For high-functioning addicts, it can be easy to convince themselves that they don’t have a “real problem” worthy of recovery and sobriety because they are still going to work or keeping their marriage intact. No matter what their litmus test may be for wellness, they will look to that as the reason why they are not ready to seek help, only serving to deepen their problem.
Recognizing the problem of alcohol and drug addiction and seeking recovery through outpatient treatment or residential treatment
Padlo and his team see people every day who were high-functioning addicts in their day-to-day lives, but who chose to recognize the problem and get help. “There is a dual-existence that occurs,” he says. “When I started my first business, it was doing very well. It was like a rocket ship. Unfortunately, I was going fast in the opposite direction.”
Ultimately, Padlo decided that nothing changes when nothing changes, and sought help with rehab and an intensive outpatient program. Now, he helps others recognize that they have a problem and how to seek help and get started on their recovery journey. Part of what worked for Padlo and others with high-functioning addiction was a recovery toolkit — a set of strategies and skills for navigating life and recovery simultaneously.
In addition, high-functioning addicts will need ongoing support and self-work if they are to be successful with long-term recovery. Addiction can be chronic, and it’s a decision that people need to make every day to remain sober. That looks different for each person, but it can include continuing to attend meetings and staying engaged with what worked during their initial recovery.
High-functioning addiction is a problem that is often hiding in plain sight. By giving the problem the attention it needs and learning to recognize the signs in the people we know and love, the stigma surrounding addiction can be lessened, and the people silently suffering can get the help they need.
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