If you were to close your eyes and picture an addict, you would probably see a person who has hit rock bottom. You would see someone whose appearance and health have physically deteriorated. They might have red eyes and appear thin and unkempt. You would see someone who seems stressed, irritated, and exasperated, seemingly looking for conflict.<\/p>\n
These are the images of addicts that we often see on TV shows like Intervention, as well as movies that tend to focus on the dark side of addiction. Even comedies that deal with addiction often make light of an addict\u2019s problems until they reach that rock-bottom scenario.<\/p>\n
In reality, a lot happens in the life of addicts from the first time they experiment with a substance to the period in which their lives, and the lives of loved ones, have been seriously affected.<\/p>\n
Nobody who starts using drugs or abusing alcohol expects to experience a downward spiral. The goal is to use without becoming an addict and without negative consequences. People expect to go on with life as usual, following their normal schedules and routines. A functional addict is someone who believes they\u2019re able to do this, often denying the reality and seriousness of their condition until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0<\/div>\n\nIn lieu of broken relationships and run-ins with the police, functional addicts are often educated and live comfortably.<\/div>\n