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In this article, we discuss how an addict's or alcoholic's loved ones can be deceived by the appearances of normalcy while the addict is an abnormal mess on the inside. The adventure we describe below vividly demonstrates the insanity of just one night out, showing how an addict will take risks that he would never consider were he clean and sober.

We point out that:

1. The addict is a genius at putting up a normal-looking front in order to deceive his loved ones that he is OK. He is even told that he is a "high-functioning alcoholic" by a professional.
2. His life, however, has been taken over by his addiction: chasing the drug, getting, and staying high are all that really matter.
3. Despite his outward appearances, he is insecure, anxious, depressed, and unstable. It takes quite the effort to disguise his inner shame and turmoil.
4. His loved ones have no clue as to the crazy life he lives and the needless risks he takes, especially once he goes on a bender.
5. Addicts and alcoholics of affluent families are often shielded from the worst of the consequences, at least in the short term.
6. Enabling the addict simply and always delays the inevitable trip to the bottom with no guarantee of making it back up.