Functioning Addiction Masks Problems

Ken Rideout shares his experience as a high-functioning opioid addict, highlighting how success and resources can mask severe addiction, making it harder to recognize and easier to maintain. His perspective emphasizes the deceptive nature of "successful" addiction and the intense challenge of breaking free.

• High-Functioning Addiction Reality:

  • Was a "good drug addict" - could maintain appearance of normalcy
  • Had resources and skills to maintain addiction
  • Could source drugs and prescriptions across the country
  • Maintained professional career while addicted

• Opioid Addiction Progression:

  • Started with Percocet after minor ankle surgery
  • Initially provided confidence and removed impostor syndrome
  • Evolved into 10-year addiction cycle
  • Became about avoiding withdrawal rather than getting high
  • Joy killers rather than painkillers

• Withdrawal Challenges:

  • Describes it as "worst flu of your life for 7 days"
  • Physical symptoms include:
    • Can't leave bathroom
    • Sweating and freezing
    • Everything hurts
    • Emotional instability
  • Multiple failed attempts at sobriety
    • Would get clean for weeks or months
    • Found excuses to return to using

• Breaking Point:

  • Adoption of children became catalyst for change
  • "I cannot live like this with children"
  • "I'd rather die than live like this and I don't want to die"
  • Recognizes rare success in beating opioid addiction
  • Compares recovery success to extreme weight loss transformation

• Recovery Perspective:

  • Acknowledges having unique mental strength
  • Speaks with humility about recovery
  • Recognizes only other addicts truly understand the struggle
  • Views sustained recovery as extremely rare achievement