Many addicts will function relatively well for a time, but there is no indication someone can maintain a functional addiction indefinitely. These individuals are able to deal with a number of lifes challenges while maintaining an addiction to drugs andor alcohol. How a highfunctioning cocaine addict can break down the. Crack is an incredibly addictive and powerful drug, and its not likely that someone can do it recreationally without becoming addicted and. My secret life as a highfunctioning drug user drugs the guardian. Crack is a powerful stimulant that can drive firsttime users to addiction. Hobbies, relationships, and career goals will all begin to take a back seat to getting and using. As the body struggles to function in the absence of the drug upon which it has come to depend, clients experience a number of distressing symptoms, ranging from muscular pain, diarrhea and fever, to depression, anxiety, desperate cravings for more crack, and, in cases of longterm and serious crack addiction, suicidal tendencies. Although the effects of crack cocaine are intense, people who are. Meth deeply affects both a users brain and body, and these symptoms and warning signs are visible in a variety of ways.
Opioid narcotic drugs are prescribed by doctors for chronic pain. A few of the symptoms of addiction, as outlined in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders dsmv include ignoring responsibilities to use, tolerance, withdrawal, and using more than initially intended. Denial is a powerful force in the life of a high functioning addict. Let us look at a few short definitions of the term addiction from professional societies that study, research, and formulate treatment approaches. Highfunctioning addicts are masters of disguise whose struggles with drugs and alcohol may go unnoticed for years, often with increasingly severe consequences. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a crack cocaine problem are vital for getting. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms may meet the clinical definition of crack cocaine addiction.
Anyone who suspects that they, or another person close to them, have an issue with drug or alcohol abuse should seek a consultation with a. The highfunctioning drug addict or alcoholic may be able to manage their addiction effectively for a period of time, sometimes for many years, but some of the same warning signs can still be there. Highfunctioning addicts typically need others to buy into their presentation and support their own disorder by making others close to them part of the problem. The tragic part of this description is that by labeling someone as a functional addict or as a relatively highfunctioning addict, we normalize their behavior and become part of the problem instead of part of the solution. Frequently experiencing blackouts or memory loss can also indicate youre a highfunctioning addict especially if youre able to resume life as normal following these incidents. Longterm use, even if the addict is highfunctioning, can lead to weight loss, seizures and heart and respiratory failure. Todays high functioning addict can be tomorrows nonfunctioning addict. Signs of a high functioning addict the recovery team. When you think of drug addiction, many people immediately associate the disease with the kind of tragic, rockbottom moments were privy to on shows like. There are no exclusive crack addiction symptoms or single test that clearly indicates that someone has crack addiction, skilled medical workers need to diagnose it. But, in truth, he or she could regularly be suffering from hangovers or withdrawal symptoms. Although she is physically dependent on a substance, she hasnt yet lived through the life catastrophes commonly experienced by those with a substance use disorder. Although the effects of crack cocaine are intense, people who are addicted to the drug may be good at hiding it.
Since many of the crack addiction symptoms are also signs of certain mental illnesses, a trained health worker should gather a complete medical, family, and mentalhealth history, as well as a physical examination and medical tests. The notion of a functional drug addict is actually a contradiction of terms. Signs youre living with a functional drug addict reflections. You just have to pay close attention and not let your own denial prevent you from encouraging a loved one to seek helpeven if, on the outside, they do not appear to have a problem. Highfunctioning addicts will often look for excuses to justify drinking and drug use. The factors that separate the functioning addict from the nonfunctioning addict include. Crack cocaine is a potent drug that can cause addiction after only one hit. After dinner has been cleared, someone produces a small bag of cocaine and. While the side effects are numerous, there are a number of effective. A highfunctioning addict may chalk up constant headaches or lethargic energy to simple things like not being a morning person. Crack addiction is a serious, deadly problem for thousands of people. Crack cocaine symptoms and warning signs addiction center.
One of the first symptoms of meth abuse is a sudden loss of interest in areas of life that were once important to the person. Carly, like many addicts in prestigious, highstress careers, is what addiction specialists refer to as a high functioning addict. When anyone uses the term addiction or addict, they are referring to a serious issue with behavior that by definition implies some sort of dysfunction or disruption. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a crack cocaine problem are vital for getting treatment.
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