Many people immediately associate the word “addiction” with the kind of tragic, rock-bottom moments you see on TV shows. But you can’t lump all addicts into one specific category. A perfect example of that statement would be “high-functioning addicts,” an epidemic that can be closer to home than you think.
A high-functioning addict makes you toss aside the archetypal image of a “junkie.” You won’t find these people pushing shopping carts up and down the sidewalks in rundown neighborhoods. In fact, they work overtime to keep up appearances both with their boss and family. They may actually enjoy professional success, maintain active social lives, and hide their disease well, especially from the ones they love most.
According to a Swedish study in the Journal of Occupational Medicine, 11.1% of workers were alcoholics, and 13.7% were small-scale entrepreneurs. These people definitely had an addiction issue (alcohol or drugs) yet on the outside their lives seemed perfectly under control.
Because functioning addicts can be so good at masking their struggles and covering their tracks, friends and loved ones often aren’t aware of a problem… until it’s too late.
Here are 6 telltale signs a family member may be hiding an addiction. It’s important to keep these in mind for future reference.
- Appearance: Have they stopped caring about the way they dress or their personal hygiene?
- Eyes are a good clue. Are their eyes constantly red or itchy? Red eyes could be caused by allergies or infection – but they might be caused by frequent drug use.
- Do they seem more apathetic, speak in a monotone, or show less interest in activities such as school, sports, or hobbies?
- Do they seem to be constantly short on money, borrowing frequently from friends and family members?
- Have their eating habits changed dramatically? This could mean they either eat more, or less, or at irregular hours.
- Most importantly, are they drifting away from the family, less willing to share about their lives, and seem to be holding secrets?
If a family member appears to have any of these signs but is making an effort to cover up, they may be a functioning addict.
Retorno can help you and guide you through the steps. Contact us for confidential assistance today.
