What are some major signs of a high functioning drug addict? It’s not always easy to tell. A high functioning drug addict isn’t going to have the traditional markers of drug addiction, because they are functioning well. Here’s how to tell if someone is a high functioning drug addict.
1. Constantly Being Around Drinking and Drugs
Someone who is often around drinking and drugs is more likely to be partaking. Do you find that your loved one is often drinking a little more than they should? Do they dabble with drugs, but don’t really think that it’s a problem?
A high functioning drug addict may be hiding how much drinking they’re doing or how much drugs they’re doing because they are still high functioning. But even a little bit of alcohol or some substance abuse can be a problem.
This is especially true if you notice dramatic changes in their habits. For example, gaining renewed interest in going out to parties, doing drugs, and drinking.
2. Having Friends Who Are Addicts
People who are around addicts are more likely to become addicts. When drugs are frequent, people are more likely to try them out, and they can become physically or psychologically addicted very quickly.
There is something to be said about peer pressure and bad influences, even in adults who are otherwise high functioning. There are “company cultures” that promote drinking and drug use, and these company cultures themselves can be toxic.
Look at who your loved ones are around most frequently because this is likely going to determine their future behavior. This is why people in recovery are not supposed to remain in contact with people who abused substances.
3. Losing Interest in the Things They Once Loved
People who have become addicted to drugs will often lose interest in the things that they once loved. They are going to be preoccupied with drugs instead. If they are hiding their drug abuse, because they’re high functioning, it will just appear as though they stopped doing the things that they previously enjoyed.
Of course, this can also be a sign of depression, which can co-occur along with drug addiction. However, a universal sign something is wrong is losing interest in things previously enjoyed.
4. Always Having Some Type of Excuse
Do you notice that your loved one is frequently late for things? Is their work product slipping? Do they spend a lot of time outside of the home? Frequently, you may find that your loved one constantly has excuses for their poor behavior. They’re high functioning, but only because they always have some sort of reason for not getting things done.
Part of being high functioning is just hiding the fact that someone isn’t functioning well. This is how people can notice a high functioning drug addict; because in reality, they aren’t functioning well, they are just trying their best to get by.
5. Experiencing Mood Swings or Emotional Issues
One of the major signs of a high functioning drug addict is having noticeable mood swings. They may be irritable in the mornings but cheerful at night. They may be frequently frustrated or irritated for no apparent reason. The greater the mood swings, the larger the concern.
Drugs cause mood swings. Not having drugs also causes mood swings. You may find when they are going through withdrawal, they will be exceptionally irritable. But because you don’t know they’re going through withdrawal, it will simply seem to be a random issue.
If You Notice Signs of a High Functioning Drug Addict…
That’s how to tell if someone is a high functioning drug addict. But what do you do next?
It’s time to get your loved one help. A high functioning drug addict has to be encouraged to get professional help before they are no longer high functioning. Many high functioning addicts are extremely good at hiding their addiction, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a problem. it’s just a problem that hasn’t yet been discovered.
Some people can remain high functioning all their life, but more will see their lifestyle degrade over time. Contact Sagebrush Treatment Centers at 866.488.1156 today to get started on the road to recovery.
