Choose a character from a movie or TV series who is a functioning addict. Examples of movies and TV series are The Sopranos, House, and Pulp Fiction.

 

Debate the relevancy of addiction on relationships and overall functioning in the context of the character as a Learning Team.

 

Create a 10- to 15-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation that explores this issue.

 

Discuss the following questions:

 

• Can a person be a functioning addict?
• How might this be exhibited in a family, workplace, and community?
• What are some longer-term effects of a functioning addict, on the individual, family, and community?
• Are the problems any different than what regular families face? If so, how?

Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines

5 Telltale Signs of a High-Functioning Addict

When you think of drug addiction, many people immediately associate the disease with the kind of tragic, rock-bottom moments we’re privy to on shows like Intervention or Celebrity Rehab. The problem is that, nine times out of ten, Hollywood gets it wrong.

Preconceived notions and “one size fits all” thinking litters the world of chemical dependency, but you can’t lump all addicts into one specific category. A perfect example of that statement would be “high-functioning addicts.”
Functioning as an Addict

So, what is a high-functioning addict and what are some of the signs people in this group would likely display?

With a high-functioning addict, you can toss aside the archetypal image of an “addict.” You won’t find these people pushing shopping carts up and down the sidewalks of skid row. In fact, they work overtime to keep up appearances and hold down jobs. They can actually enjoy professional success, maintain active social lives and hide their demons from the ones they love most – for a while, at least.

Unfortunately, the “high-functioning” part comes at a great price and a considerable amount of danger.

Because functioning addicts are so good at masking their struggles and covering their tracks, friends and loved ones often aren’t aware of a problem…until it’s too late.
Spotting a High-Functioning Addict

5 Telltale Signs of a High-Functioning Addict

As with everyone addicted to drugs and alcohol, high-functioning addicts are not a lost cause. With some understanding and knowledge, loved ones can identify the problem signs and intervene before a drug problem grows so powerful that it takes control of – or ends – the user’s life.

Here are five signs that someone you love may be a high-functioning addict:

They Make Excuses for Behaviors

A high-functioning addict may chalk up their drug and alcohol use to being standard behavior in their profession. They may also justify it as a reward for their hard work or career success.

Drinking or Doing More Drugs than Intended

Most of us have said “just one drink” and had that one turn into several during a night out. But for the high-functioning addict, this is just a regular occurrence. They simply can’t control their usage.

Their Friends Also Have Addiction Issues

Look at who your loved one socializes with. If their friends routinely binge drink or use illegal substances – or if your loved one doesn’t want to socialize unless drugs and alcohol are involved – it’s likely a sign that there is a bigger underlying issue.

Appearing Ill in the Morning

A high-functioning addict may chalk up constant headaches or lethargic energy to simple things like “not being a morning person.” But, in truth, he or she could regularly be suffering from hangovers or withdrawal symptoms.

Losing Interest in Hobbies

If you notice your loved one has suddenly put down their guitar or stopped playing soccer, it could be because his substance abuse is starting to take over his life.

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ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS

Discussion Questions (DQ)

• Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
• Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
• One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
• I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.

Weekly Participation

• Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
• In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
• Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
• Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.

APA Format and Writing Quality

• Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
• Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
• I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.

Use of Direct Quotes

• I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’ level and deduct points accordingly.
• As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.
• It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.

 

LopesWrite Policy

• For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.
• Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.
• Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?
• Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.

Late Policy

• The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.
• Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
• If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.
• I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.
• As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.

Communication

• Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me: 
  • Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.
  • Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.

 

Functioning Addicts Presentation