According to statistics from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 16.8 percent of the United States population aged 12+ has a substance use disorder. Not every person with a substance use disorder is recognized in plain sight; some people cover up the signs. This often means that they don’t get the help they need when they need it. Treatment is essential for preventing the worsening of drug and alcohol abuse. So, what is a hidden addiction? When you have a hidden addiction, what does getting help look like? Xplore Recovery is a leading drug and alcohol rehab center in Tennessee. We’re here to help you find lasting recovery and avoid further consequences of substance use.
What is a Hidden Addiction?
First, what is a hidden addiction, exactly? A hidden addiction can refer to any type of addiction (e.g., substance dependency, gambling) that you successfully conceal from friends, family members, romantic partners, colleagues, and others in your life. People with a hidden addiction to drugs and alcohol are often high-functioning, meaning that they are successful in everyday life. For example, you may fulfill workplace responsibilities, participate in family life or social events, and take care of your home.
While there may be no physical indicators of substance abuse that would otherwise clue people in–you might drink, take prescription drugs other than prescribed, or use other addictive behaviors while those around you are none the wiser–it does not mean that your addiction is not serious.
Over time, hidden addiction starts to show. The signs could be small at first: lying to loved ones and medical providers, financial issues, and changes in physical or emotional health, like irritability.
Getting Help for Hidden Addiction
Although people may think they’ve “got it under control,” getting help for hidden addiction is essential. Early intervention can prevent more severe substance use disorders. It can also help you avoid future repercussions of untreated drug and alcohol abuse, such as problems at work, in interpersonal relationships, increased financial issues, legal repercussions, or new or worsened physical and mental health challenges.
When you reach out to a treatment center like Xplore Recovery, one of the first steps of the pre-intake process is to complete a verbal questionnaire. Usually, this occurs over the phone. Privately and commitment-free, you’ll answer questions about things like how often you use alcohol and other drugs, which will help us provide a treatment recommendation.
Our Programs
Our programs are an ideal solution for people affected by hidden addiction. Treatment length is flexible, and the levels of care available at our center allow us to meet clients where they’re at.
Partial Hospitalization Program Tennessee
The partial hospitalization program in Tennessee at Xplore Recovery provides intensive care in an outpatient setting. It can act as a starting level of care, or it can be the next step after you or your loved one completes medical detox, inpatient drug rehab, or residential treatment. Clients in our partial hospitalization program (PHP) attend 30 hours of group therapy per week, as well as once-weekly individual therapy sessions and other activities (e.g., family therapy, which is recommended if clinically appropriate).
Evidence-based treatments, such as process groups, behavioral therapies, trauma-informed therapy, and relapse prevention groups, create the foundation of our programs. Clients can also opt into a range of adventure therapies, which support the treatment process and whole-person healing.
Intensive Outpatient Program In Tennessee
Our intensive outpatient program in Tennessee is the next step down from PHP. However, the same uniquely effective and trusted approach is used. The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Xplore Recovery is an ideal solution for many people with hidden addiction. It can prevent the need for a higher level of care in the future. Alternatively, those who start treatment in PHP may transition to IOP to ease their transition back into typical daily life.
Treatment sessions meet a few days per week for a few hours each day. This gives people like you or your loved one the flexibility necessary to tend to responsibilities like work or school while in treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people struggling with hidden addiction live with underlying mental health concerns. By addressing substance use and co-occurring concerns simultaneously, dual-diagnosis treatment helps people achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. Dedicated to our personalized, whole-person approach, dual-diagnosis treatment is central to how Xplore Recovery delivers care.
Call Xplore Recovery to Learn More About Hidden Addiction
Located in a tranquil spot on the Ocoee River, Xplore Recovery is a trusted provider of addiction and co-occurring disorder treatment in Tennessee. If you have a problem or think that you might, it’s never too soon or too late to find support. Call Xplore Recovery to learn more about hidden addiction and get the help you need today at (423) 522-1457.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the signs of hidden addiction?
Hidden or not, people with addiction may experience a variety of different warning signs. These include, but aren’t limited to:
– Lying or hiding drug and alcohol use from others (e.g., lying about how much or how often you drink, take prescription medication, or use other substances, hiding alcohol bottles or drug paraphernalia).
– Needing to use larger amounts of alcohol or other drugs to achieve the desired effects, or experiencing diminished effects when you use the same amount you did before.
– Increased tolerance, marked by continuing to use substances to avoid withdrawal symptoms or experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop or lower the amount you use.
– Repeatedly entering risky situations during or after using substances (e.g., driving after drinking or using drugs, unsafe sex).
– Using prescription drugs (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) for longer periods of time or in higher doses than prescribed.
– Continuing to use a substance despite negative effects on your life (e.g., work, interpersonal relationships).
– Spending less time on previously enjoyed or important activities due to drug and alcohol use.
– Continuing to use a substance despite negative effects on your physical or mental health.
– Failed attempts to stop or reduce the amount of a substance you use.
If you relate to even just a couple of these signs, it’s important to seek help.
What is the number one cause of addiction?
There’s no singular cause of addiction. But there are factors that increase your vulnerability to developing a substance use disorder. For example, genetics, environment (e.g., certain work environments), early exposure to drugs and alcohol, trauma or adverse life experiences, and mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety.
How do you overcome hidden addiction?
There are effective treatments that help people overcome addiction, hidden or not. Xplore Recovery uses evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychoeducation, and trauma-focused therapies. Admitting to yourself that you have a problem is a powerful first step. Addiction often thrives in secrecy, and it’s crucial to seek support.