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Spotting a character struggling with addiction in movies or on TV is relatively easy. These characters often lead unstable lives, have broken relationships, and may appear visibly aggressive or belligerent. However, in reality it’s important to know that addiction looks different for every individual. Some people can even be labeled as “high-functioning addicts.” This term refers to people who appear to be “normal”: They have families, maintain jobs, and fulfill their responsibilities with no issues. You may be wondering, then, if these people still need professional treatment when they’re able to maintain stability in their lives.

The short answer is yes. Though it may seem that they – or you – are perfectly fine on the outside, drug and alcohol addiction can still impact your physical, emotional, and mental health, especially over time. Many high-functioning people with addictions are also not aware that they don’t actually have control over their lives – alcohol or drugs are what secretly reign over them.

Why You Need Professional Help

Most addiction experts recognize that deep down, addiction has less to do with your ability to appear normal and more to do with changes in your brain that cause cravings and a compulsive need to abuse substances. The more tolerant you become to a substance, the more you may need to achieve the same high you’re looking for, and this is how overdose occurs. Overdosing can be dangerous and even life-threatening, and depending on which drug you take, you may experience seizures or slowed breathing. When you seek professional help in rehab, you can be guided by a team of experts and learn how to manage your cravings.

Another possible danger associated with high-functioning people is that these same people assume that because they have their lives together, they can also quit on their own, too. This is a dangerous assumption, as quitting by yourself can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms that may be fatal. A professional detox facility can help you detox safely while a certified team monitors your progress. Some drug addictions require people to be weaned off slowly, rather than all at once.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Are you concerned that you may have an addiction, despite everything going well in your life? We recommend asking yourself the following questions – if you discover that you’re saying “yes” to many of them, it may be time to look into seeking professional help.

  • Is it hard to stop once you’ve begun drinking or using drugs?
  • Have you tried to stop drinking or using drugs but find that you were unable to?
  • Do you spend a lot of time thinking about drinking or using drugs?
  • Do you drink or use drugs at work?
  • Do you hide your drinking or drug use from others?
  • Have you done anything risky or impulsive, such as driven while under the influence?

Call Us for Outpatient Treatment

At October Road, we understand how challenging the recovery process can be, especially when you attempt to do it on your own. When you join us, you have access to a wide range of treatment programs and therapies, as well as access to a team of professionals who care about your growth and well-being. Our addiction professionals can work with you to help you understand your stressors and triggers, improve your mental health, and build a support system so that your recovery is more manageable.

Our team is comprised of clinicians, therapists, behavioral health specialists, and more, all of whom can help you take control of your life. We also pride ourselves on offering individualized treatments because we know that no two recoveries look the same.

Contact us online or by phone at (888) 201-5086 if you require professional help for your alcohol or drug addiction in North Carolina. Together, we can create a treatment plan that benefits you and meets your needs.

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