5 Business Icons Open About Their Struggle With Drugs and Alcohol

Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Highly Successful People

There is often a picture depicted in the media of individuals with substance use disorders who come from lower socioeconomic statuses or experience hardships, including loss of employment, housing, or connections with others. Drug and alcohol addiction is often characterized by individuals having a decline in performance in work or school and demonstrating an inability to maintain daily life commitments and responsibilities.

However, some individuals are considered high-functioning alcoholics or high-functioning addicts that can maintain the high demands of work and show little to no symptoms or indicators that drug and alcohol addiction is impacting their lives. Although it may not appear that substance abuse is creating adverse side effects within a high-functioning addict, drug and alcohol abuse will increase the risk of experiencing physical health and mental health consequences the longer the substance abuse progresses.