High-Functioning and Hiding It: Recognising Addiction in the Workplace

Addiction doesn’t always announce itself with chaos or collapse. Sometimes, it hides behind a polished presentation, a perfect track record, or the star employee who never misses a deadline. High-functioning addiction is real – and it could be sitting quietly in your workplace. The disconnect between personal struggle and professional performance can make it especially hard to detect. But the signs are there, often subtle, and the cost of overlooking them can be profound.

What is a high-functioning addict or alcoholic?

The term “high-functioning” is often bandied around as a badge of honour, with those who fall into that category able to hold down a job, a family, turn up to the kids’ sports games, and kick goals at life – all while secretly battling with alcohol or drug dependency.

Five signs someone might be battling with addiction

• Frequent unexplained absence or late starts
• Dramatic mood swings such as irritability, depression and anxiety
• Mysterious health issues
• Declining reliability, follow throw or focus
• Withdrawing

How high-functioning addicts fly under the radar

 For many people, the stigma surrounding addiction and alcoholism will stop them admitting they have a problem and can be a real barrier to seeking help. The idea that somehow addiction is a choice or a moral failing prevents many people from getting the help they need.

Many people think that alcoholics are park-bench drinkers who slug cheap liquor out of brown paper bags and addicts are found lurking in dark alleys in dodgy neighbourhoods – but this isn’t always the case.

Alcohol and drug addiction affects people of all walks of life – even professionals with post-graduate degrees and high-flying jobs. These types will often be excused for their behaviour because they are good at their job and are high achievers.

It is also important to note that what is sometimes mislabelled as burnout or stress is actually alcoholism or addiction in disguise.

 How much does addiction cost businesses?

According to stats from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in 2021, the estimated cost of addiction in Australia was $80.3 billion – workplace and productivity losses accounted for 48% of this.

Not only does addiction have a huge impact on workplace productivity due to sick days, being late to work or being slow to complete tasks, there is also mental health, physical safety, relationships and the impact of job loss to consider too.

For every alcoholic or addict there are dozens, sometimes hundreds of people who are directly impacted by their addiction. Alcoholism is often referred to as a ‘family disease’ because those closest to the alcoholic often suffer just as much as the person who is doing the drinking. This can be true within a workplace too, as others pick up the slack for the addict who has called in sick again or missed another deadline.

How to help an addict or alcoholic in the workplace

 Try not to judge – remember, they may be causing problems within the business, but if they are suffering from addiction, they have actually lost the power of choice when it comes to drinking or using drugs. Remember they are sick people, not bad people.

Don’t let poor behaviour go unchecked – just because someone is suffering from addiction doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye to behavioural or performance issues – especially when people’s safety is in jeopardy. Sometimes it is the risk of losing their job that propels the addict towards getting help.

Have an honest conversation – address your concerns, ask direct questions and offer support. Addicts and alcoholics are very good at pretending there’s nothing abnormal going on with their drinking or using and may try to brush things under the carpet.

Be ready when they ask for help – knowing what to do when a colleague or employee comes to you admitting they have a problem can make a huge difference to what happens for them next. Educate your management and HR team on how to recognise signs of addiction and have resources at the ready to support them to take that next step to get help.

 How The Sydney Retreat can help

 Not everyone can stop drinking or using on their own. The Sydney Retreat offers a safe, structured, 28-day private residential drug and alcohol treatment program with an evidence-based approach. We have proven success in helping high-functioning professionals rebuild without judgment.

We help people:

• Understand the problem – addiction can be isolating and confusing so we help people make sense of what’s going on and why
• Learn proven tools for recovery – we provide practical tools and guided support through Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF)
• Connect with a recovery network – this is crucial for ongoing support once they leave rehab

If you think you might have a problem with alcohol or drugs, or someone you work with is struggling, get in touch with our admissions team for a free and confidential consultation. Through this process we can help determine if you need further support and if The Sydney Retreat is the right choice for you.