Many individuals struggling with substance abuse manage to maintain a façade of normalcy. These people can hold down jobs, maintain relationships, and appear successful, all while battling their addiction in secret. The term ‘high-functioning addict’ is often used to describe these individuals.

Functioning addicts often go unnoticed because they don’t fit the stereotypical image of addiction. Key characteristics of a high-functioning substance addict include:

Maintaining Responsibilities: They often hold down jobs, attend school, and fulfil family responsibilities, sometimes excelling in these areas despite their addiction.

Concealment: They are skilled at hiding their substance use from colleagues, friends, and family, often going to great lengths to cover up their behaviour.

Justification: They rationalise their substance use, believing they have it under control or using it as a reward for their hard work and achievements.

Inconsistent Behaviour: Although they may seem fine most of the time, there can be occasional lapses or erratic behaviours that hint at their substance use.

Denial: They often deny the extent of their problem, both to themselves and to others, believing they can quit anytime they want or that their usage is not problematic.

Stress and Health Issues: Despite outward appearances, their addiction often leads to internal stress, health problems, and mental health issues over time. Their hidden struggles can be just as damaging, both to themselves and to those around them.

Substance abuse comes in many forms, each with its unique challenges and coping mechanisms. Often, one addiction can lead to another, creating a vicious cycle where individuals seek out new substances or behaviours to achieve the desired effects or cope with the initial addiction’s consequences, referred to as “cross- addiction” or “addiction transfer”.

Alcohol Abuse: Excessive or frequent drinking of alcohol, often used to cope with stress or emotional pain.

Nicotine Abuse: Dependence on cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco products, commonly used for stress relief.

Prescription Drug Abuse: Misuse of medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, often originally prescribed for pain, anxiety, or attention disorders.

Illicit Drug Abuse: Use of illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or ecstasy to escape life’s pressures or for recreational purposes.

Cannabis Abuse: Overuse or dependency on marijuana for its calming effects.

Inhalant Abuse: Sniffing or inhaling household chemicals like glue, paint thinners, or aerosols to achieve a high.

Hallucinogen Abuse: Use of substances like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), or PCP to alter perception and escape reality.

Steroid Abuse: Use of anabolic steroids to cope with body image pressures and enhance physical performance.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse: Misuse of readily available medications like cough syrups or cold medicines containing dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine.

Caffeine Abuse: Excessive consumption of caffeine through coffee, energy drinks, or supplements, often used to cope with fatigue or enhance productivity.

Substance abuse can have serious physical, professional, and mental health consequences and often requires professional intervention and support to overcome. You are not alone. LifeAssist has a team of counsellors to support you, or a family member, to take charge of addiction. Get in touch now.