Can an Addict Lead a “Normal Life?”

Addiction takes on a variety of forms. Some individuals who struggle with addiction lose everything in a matter of months. Their substance use disorder quickly spirals out of control, and they lose their career, relationship, and home in rapid succession.

Other individuals continue to keep up appearances, fighting a secret battle behind closed doors. It might appear to the outside world that they are leading a normal life, but in reality they are suffering in silence as they struggle to function at a passable level.

Even if no one else notices, addiction still has a major impact on the life of the afflicted individual. The guilt and shame associated with keeping such a devastating secret becomes crushing, emotional and mental well-being deteriorate, and feelings of self-esteem and self-worth fall by the wayside.

So while someone might consider themselves to be a “functional” addict or alcoholic, it is truly impossible to function as full capacity while battling an addictive disorder of any severity.

The Internal Consequences of Active Addiction

The consequences associated with active addiction are both external and internal in nature. External consequences are more obvious to those around you, and include:

• Legal trouble directly linked to your substance use.

• Financial issues.

• Problems at work or at school.

• Strained interpersonal relationships.

• Weight loss or weight gain and other significant changes to appearance.

The internal consequences of addiction are more difficult to detect. They include:

• Crushing feelings of guilt and shame.

• Low self-esteem and a lack of self-worth.

• Severe anxiety, which can be coupled with paranoia and/or panic attacks.

• Depressed mood, which can lead to suicidal ideation.

• Overwhelming feelings of helplessness and self-pity.

• A lack of motivation/apathy.

• A disinterest in things that were once held in high esteem.

• A deep sense of loneliness.

If you have been struggling with any personal consequences linked to substance use, there is help available. Maintaining sobriety for a prolonged period of time allows for comprehensive healing on a physical, mental, and emotional level.

When is it Time to Seek Help?

If you wait for every part of yourself to be onboard with making a major change, you will never make any progress. Addiction can be particularly tricky, seeing as the physical chemistry of your brain changes with repeated substance use, and you begin to feel (and believe) you cannot possibly function without drugs or alcohol. So how do you know when professional treatment has become necessary?

The best time to seek help is when you start to consider help as an option. If you have attempted to cut back or quit on your own with little success, some degree of treatment is likely a good idea. Because addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, the best ption for you will depend on your unique case.

To learn more about the treatment options available to you and for help in deciding which route to take, contact us directly. Our attention to individualized care and therapy programs can be the difference between a lifetime of challenges or a full recovery. Take the first step toward a better, more fulfilling future. Speak with one of our Treatments Advisors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-877-508-2278.