When someone starts to become addicted to a substance, they may not initially realize that they are becoming reliant on the substance. Moving into addiction can be slow and less debilitating for some people, which we often refer to as high-functioning addiction. While those with high-functioning addiction will still struggle with different aspects of life, their addiction may be a little easier to hide from friends or family members. These addicts may take longer to seek help or may compensate in other areas of their lives, such as in their careers or schooling. These are some of the signs to look for if you suspect someone is dealing with high-functioning addiction. 

Isolation And Secrecy

Lying and hiding the addiction is common for those abusing substances or alcohol. The first sign of high-functioning addiction is the person doing their best to hide the problem or putting on the appearance of normalcy. You or a loved one may lie to others about how much you are drinking, putting alcohol or drugs in concealed hiding places, lying about location or activities, or using mouthwash or makeup to cover signs of use. Isolating and hiding the activities or evidence of addiction makes the person look more normal, which may make it difficult for those around them to notice the effects of a substance.

Persistent Financial Issues

Reliance on substances can cause a person to avoid other responsibilities in order to get their fix. Getting alcohol or substances can often take precedence over work, school, family responsibilities, etc. This often leads to persistent financial problems, leading to other risky behaviors. If someone is skipping out on work or spending all of their savings on drugs and alcohol, they will struggle to pay rent, buy food, or make car payments. A sign of addiction or lack of responsibility is often constant money struggles, even if they seem to have a well-paying and reliable job.

Denial

High-functioning addiction often comes with denial and rationalization of addictive habits. Denial keeps us from seeing the whole picture and may stop you from self-reflection and procrastinating behavior improvements. Those in denial will put off thoughts of their substance abuse and may refuse to see signs of how it is negatively affecting their lives.

Another aspect of denial is putting the blame or the consequences on anything other than the addiction. High-functioning addicts may blame anxiety, other people, or work stress for the negative consequences of their addiction.

Setting Extremely High Standards

High-functioning addicts often prioritize success over being healthy or resisting alcohol. Hiding their addiction by moving up in their career, being hyper-productive, or focusing on perfectionism is common with high-functioning addiction. Setting high expectations for themselves and constantly being on the move is a way to appear healthy to others. However, the pressure of a demanding job or schedule may worsen your addiction and lead to more use to cope with the stress.

Higher Tolerance

Increased tolerance to alcohol or drugs is a clear sign of high-functioning addiction. Increased tolerance looks like using the substance repeatedly and increasing the amount because you are no longer getting the same effect as before. Tolerance to a substance becomes increasingly risky as a user increases the amount and frequency because they also increase the risky behaviors they partake in. Overdose, related health effects, and death are also more of a risk with higher substance use.

Spending More Time With Other Users

Those who are struggling with addiction may be influenced by others who are also using substances or drinking consistently. Surrounding yourself with people who also drink or use drugs could lead to high-functioning addiction because of the lack of support or knowledge about being sober. 

Peer pressure and social pressure are common for high-functioning addicts, often enabling them to think that this frequent use is ok because they see the success of friends or family using. Other high-functioning addicts who hide the negative effects of their addiction can make it hard for another person to want to seek help or stop their bad behavior.

Addiction Help From Red Willow

Red Willow Counseling and Recovery offers therapy and rehabilitation for clients of all backgrounds and struggles. With locations in Salt Lake and Park City, UT, we are able to provide community members with resources, support, and the professional help they need to live a well-balanced life. We offer individual counseling, family therapy, outpatient programs, alcohol assessment, addiction intervention, and more. Our programs are unlike other rehab programs, helping you live a normal life while managing your addiction. If you or a loved one is looking to limit risky behaviors, have a better relationship with substances, and improve your personal relationships, reach out to Red Willow today!

Serotonin is linked to the brain’s reward system and can have an influence over impulsivity, emotions, and stress in the body. Having just the right balance of serotonin is important for overall brain function, which is why it can play a role in addiction. When dysregulation of serotonin is present, individuals are more susceptible to substance abuse and risky behaviors. This blog will look deeper into how serotonin comes into play with those struggling with addiction.

The Difference Between Serotonin And Dopamine

Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters that have their own distinct roles. Serotonin is responsible for mood stabilization and emotional regulation, while dopamine drives our reward response and controls movement and motivation. While they are often connected together and have similarities, they both have distinct roles when it comes to daily life.

Where Is Serotonin Produced?

One of the biggest differences is where these neurotransmitters are produced in the brain. Serotonin is produced in the brainstem and gastrointestinal tract, while dopamine is produced in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area of the brain. The central nervous system is responsible for producing serotonin, but most of it is found outside of the CNS (central nervous system). Serotonin is produced and released at different stages, including:

• Action potential
• Exocytosis
• Receptor binding
• Reuptake
• Metabolism

These phases have to work together in order for the body to avoid imbalances and have a properly functioning nervous system.

The Connection To Addiction

Since serotonin is connected to the reward and mood regulation part of the brain, serotonin is deeply connected to addiction. Serotonin and dopamine pathways can interact to reinforce drug and alcohol effects. Many studies have shown that serotonin overlaps with the effects found in opioids, psychostimulants, and alcohol. Here are more roles that this neurotransmitter plays in addiction.

Mood Regulation

The primary role of serotonin is to regulate mood and maintain stability. When it is dysregulated, people could be more susceptible to risky behaviors and seek something that mimics serotonin. Dysregulation can cause depression, irritability, and anxiety, which are often precursors to substance abuse and addiction. Seeking multiple reward-seeking behaviors and activities that will compensate for that lack of emotional regulation.

Impulse Control

Your decision-making is regulated by serotonin, so risky behaviors may be heightened when it is low. Compulsivity will increase if you have dysregulated serotonin, which can worsen addiction symptoms, making it difficult to get sober and break the cycle. 

Withdrawal Effects

Misusing drugs can suppress serotonin activity, causing a vicious cycle of seeking a higher mood and limiting discomfort. Without optimal serotonin production, addicts will experience more withdrawal symptoms than those who just have dysregulated serotonin.

Cravings And Dependence

Without the help of serotonin to balance the brain’s reward system, compulsive behaviors, dependence, and cravings will increase. Since drugs and alcohol mimic the chemical reaction of serotonin, this is what creates dependency on these substances. Seeking a mood boost is often why people take part in drugs and alcohol, which can escalate into compulsive consumption. Once someone is addicted to a substance, they are dependent on its availability and chemical reaction before they can do anything else. This dependence can affect every aspect of your life and health, causing problems with work, relationships, social activities, and spending.

How Serotonin Affects Addiction Recovery

Balancing your serotonin levels will help stabilize mood, impulses, and emotions. Healthy levels will also help you have better sleep, reduce anxiety, and have a better sense of stability. Individuals will be better able to manage triggers and stressors without the help of drugs and alcohol. When you have compulsive behaviors, regulating dopamine and serotonin levels can help make addiction recovery easier. Managing your symptoms and triggers will help you avoid relapse and help you on the road to recovery.

Addiction Help With Red Willow Counseling And Recovery

Red Willow specializes in addiction recovery, using a mix of therapy, intervention, support groups, and inpatient treatment. No matter what addiction you are struggling with, our professionals handle all situations with care, helping you to build healthier habits and reduce shame. While the addiction rates continue to rise, we know that going through the recovery process has changed many lives and works for many people who want to live a healthier life. 

In addition to our addiction recovery techniques, we also offer therapy for mental health issues, grief, and other emotions that may come with addiction. Therapists can work alongside our other medical professionals to ensure you are getting well-rounded treatment. We offer individual, group, family, and couples therapy at all of our locations. Contact us to learn more about our offerings, payment, and find additional helpful resources on our website.