Former Addict Shares Journey Through Rehab and Insights on Functional Addiction

Former client Mr. Hanson recounted his unsettling experience of being institutionalized, likening it to “a jail,” before his sole stint in rehabilitation. He explained that his supervisor invited him to a screening at a rehab center, a moment that forced him to confront his denial. Initially convinced he could “handle it,” he entered a 90-day program that turned his life around: he began eating properly, sleeping better, and improving his overall functioning.

During the program, Hanson attended a seminar led by a facilitator nicknamed “Whiskey,” which emphasized the all-or-nothing nature of alcohol consumption for an alcoholic. He described the mindset of “functional addicts” – individuals who appear to manage daily life while secretly battling substance use. Hanson highlighted how denial allowed him to maintain a marriage, a stable job, and a respectable public image, yet the underlying issue persisted.

Statistically, he noted that only about 5% of participants achieve long-term abstinence, while roughly 15-20% oscillate between use and sobriety, living “functional” lives. He stressed that the program’s success hinges on strict adherence: “anyone who applies the program 100% is 100% successful.” To stay sober, he listed five personal commitments:

1. Eliminate bar-room companions.
2. Re-focus his spiritual outlook.
3. Maintain regular exercise.
4. Attend support meetings consistently.
5. Balance personal intrusions and responsibilities.

Hanson also mentioned that the facility’s recidivism rate for program graduates is approximately 5%. He argued that while “tough love” and structured environments can be crucial, forcing individuals into treatment often fails; lasting change requires the person’s willingness to embrace the process.