Are You Really Functioning in Your Addiction?

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You have probably heard the term “functioning addict” or “functioning alcoholic” when others talk about addiction. This is a phrase that commonly refers to someone who abuses substances daily and still shows up to work and attends events and activities that they are expected to be at. Never mind that while they are attending to their commitments they are probably drunk or high, but needless to say they are there.  

Most people stigmatize addiction with someone who is pushing a shopping cart on skid row.  The truth is that a person suffering from substance abuse can be successful at business, hold active social lives, and hide their deep dark secret of addiction quite auspiciously. Concealing an addiction is a job within itself because it takes great effort to camouflage the true struggles, cover up any evidence, and keep up with the lies that have been told.

The goal of a functioning addiction is to seem successful in a career and in life endeavors so that the substance abuse will be overlooked. On the other hand, the “functioning” aspect of the addiction could also hinder any hopes of recovery because they believe that they are not that bad because they have not lost it all. They also have people who are benefiting from their success who may knowingly or unknowingly cover up the addiction to avoid any consequences for anyone. Most people who are functioning in their addiction believe they are simply heavy drinkers who like to unwind and catch a buzz without taking the involved risks into consideration.

Addiction is a progressive disease that only gets worse with dependency of the substance at hand. Health concerns such overdose, brain damage, memory loss, high blood pressure can become a reality to create havoc on a person’s body. Not to mention the emotional distress from guilt, shame, and deceptive relations with others that takes a toll on someone’s entire being including their spirituality. High risk behaviors such as driving under the influence, unprotected sex, inebriated fueled arguments, and blacking out can also result in a functioning addiction.

The real truth that someone who thinks they are functioning in their addiction is really dysfunctioning in life. Eventually an individual’s house of cards they built around their addiction will crumble because sustaining drugs and alcohol for a lifetime is not feasible. Getting honest about what is really going on will help you to be able to truly learn how to function in a more productive manner.

The Kimberly Center is an evidence-based treatment program that assists individuals who are suffering from substance abuse and related issues. Our goal is to restore a healthier, happier, and more productive life in recovery.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)

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