When someone’s life is consumed by addiction—when their friends and family are gone and they’ve lost their job, when they live only for the high and they’ve landed in a jail cell or drug rehab—it’s clear that they need treatment in an addiction recovery center. But not all drug abusers fit this mold. There’s a different class of drug addicts, a group of people who seamlessly hide their addiction while simultaneously balancing high-demand jobs or responsibilities and maintaining relationships. These so-called high-functioning addicts live in constant denial and often don’t get the help they need.   A high-functioning addict usually has a high-powered job or position, which allows them greater professional freedom. If they leave the office for a stretch of a few hours, no one calls to check up on them. If they roll in a little late, there’s no manager asking them where they’ve been. Because of this freedom, addicts can go about their business as they please with fewer consequences, and can preserve a facade of professionalism.   High-functioning addicts often live in a state of denial. The usual negative stereotype of a low-life, strung-out drug addict doesn’t apply to them, and so they conclude that they can’t possibly have a problem. Because their days are filled with challenging responsibilities, these addicts rationalize their addiction away. No one would entrust such an important project to a drug addict, they think. I’ve got it all together. And they…