Signs of a high-functioning addict can be hard to spot when you aren’t sure what to look for. Drug treatment programs provide successful treatment to those who are actively addicted to substances but good at hiding their addiction. It’s not easy to function as an addict, but some people are very good at hiding what they are doing. Problems arise once the functioning addict is no longer able to keep their addiction private.
For those that are high-functioning, this means that the addiction has become so out of control that addiction treatment programs are necessary to take the control back. Be on the look out for signs you are dealing with a high-functioning addict.
Excuses for Behavior are Common
Excusing excessive drug or alcohol use is common in people who are successful. You might hear statements such as everyone is going out after work to drink, or that the drugs are a reward for a job well done. If you are concerned about a loved one and you express your concern, you are likely to be met with excuses. Signs of a functioning drug addict include:
- They tend to hang out with friends who have problems with drugs or alcohol
- Illness in the morning is common as they are dealing with the aftereffects of the night before
- They make excuses for behavior when confronted
- They will often say, “just one more drink” and end up closing the bar
A high-functioning addict will often have a great job and be successful in a number of ways. Signs of a functioning drug addict are noticeable over time. If you are concerned about the alcohol or drug abuse of a loved one, it’s time to have a conversation about what is going on. Although you may not get anywhere the first time you bring up issues with addiction, it may get your loved one thinking about what is going on in their life.
The Need For Treatment After Extensive Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Once you notice signs of a functioning drug addict, it can be easier to talk about treatment options. Recovery is possible, even when the drug abuse has been extensive. For a person showing signs of a functioning drug addict, it is beyond time to get treatment. By encouraging your friend or family member that it’s time to seek help, they may be willing to admit that there is a problem. Recovery is going to take time, and it starts with a commitment to healing from the addiction.
Treatment for a drug addiction begins with detox and continues on through partial hospitalization, therapy, and aftercare options. Treatment is generally ongoing, as it takes time to heal from an addiction to drugs. While the process of detox can take a week or less, dealing with the emotional or behavioral components of addiction takes time. It can be beneficial to have a team of supportive professionals helping you or your loved one along the road to recovery.
It’s important to remember that addiction treatment takes time and dedication for it to be successful. With commitment, hard work, and professional guidance, people struggling with drug addiction can find freedom from the substance once and for all. It is important to seek help and support during this time, as it can be the difference between a successful recovery or another relapse into addiction. Treatment is there to provide guidance and support through every step of the process.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health
Addiction occurs for many reasons, and there are many people who are struggling with mental health needs and addiction at the same time. Dual diagnosis treatment provides support for both mental health diagnoses and addiction together. Both allow the individual the support needed to recover from addiction and improve mental health at the same time. The addiction or the mental health diagnosis together will provide the best outcome possible for the individual.
When you meet your mental health needs, recovering from a long-term addiction becomes easier. While you or a loved one might struggle because of depression and turn to drugs to cope, recovery can happen when you make a commitment to overcome the addiction. Treatment can be provided that is both traditional and holistic, giving you the best shot at recovery possible after a long period of drug abuse. Getting to the root cause of the addiction allows you to heal more effectively.
The goal of dual diagnosis treatment is to help the individual gain insight into their triggers, behaviors, and patterns that lead to addiction or mental health issues. Knowing these can help individuals build healthier coping mechanisms for a successful recovery. Through expert guidance and support, this approach can help improve an individual’s quality of life immensely.
Get the Addiction Help You Need Today
If your life is falling apart and you are no longer able to control an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you deserve help. Contact Crestview Recovery now at 866.262.0531 and start your recovery process. Be aware of the signs you are dealing with a high-functioning addict. You can heal from an addiction, and your first step is reaching out for help.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
