11 Signs Youre a High-Functioning Alcoholic

A person who drinks excessively, whether or not they monitor it, is doing damage to their physical body. This limits their lifespan and impacts https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/substance-abuse-counseling/ the quality of their lives. It’s a myth to believe that because they seem to be able to “control” their drinking, it’s not doing harm to them.

No matter how well high-functioning alcoholics conceal their addiction or maintain their careers and relationships, they are still alcoholics. Therefore, they are living with the risks and effects of alcoholism. Many high-functioning alcoholics in recovery have testified that someone can only live a normal life with alcoholism for so long until the disorder starts to affect their health high functioning alcoholic and behavior. For example, high-functioning alcoholics are at greater risk for driving under the influence and committing other alcohol-related crimes. Even if a high-functioning alcoholic never suffers any legal or professional consequences from alcohol abuse, their body will still suffer. Long-term, chronic drinking damages a person’s brain, heart, liver, and other vital organs.

Intervention Help

There should be zero doubt that living a sober lifestyle can be extremely difficult. Many people start the road to recovery but stumble back to the substance of their choice—sometimes multiple times. Unlike a traditional alcoholic, the functioning alcoholic is better at hiding mistakes. Yet the action of hiding those mistakes is a sure sign that they’re an alcoholic. Recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) is an ongoing process and those fortunate to have long-term recovery share one thing in common—an ability to recommit. In short, “there’s not a single image of AUD,” points out Sabrina Spotorno, a clinical social worker and alcoholism and substance abuse counselor at Monument.

This could include people with high-functioning AUD, but these criteria are not definitive characteristics. However, they are likely struggling with uncontrollable cravings, unsuccessful attempts at quitting, and obsessive thoughts about their next drink—all hallmarks of an alcohol use disorder. By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. Drinking alone or being secretive about drinking can be another sign of alcohol use disorder. Drinking alcohol at unconventional times—such as early in the day or at gatherings where nobody else is drinking—is another hallmark of this disease. Spithoff, Sheryl, MD CCFP, et al. “Primary care management of alcohol use disorder and at-risk drinking.” NIH National Library of Medicine, June 2015.

Get Professional Help

Self-help organizations, church groups, and 12-step programs like Al-Anon and Alateen offer advice, hope and encouragement to people involved with functioning alcoholics. Nearly 20% of alcoholics are highly functional and well-educated with good incomes. The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely. A “high-functioning alcoholic” isn’t a medical diagnosis but is usually a reference to someone with mild or moderate AUD. Someone with functioning alcoholism is still meeting most or all of their responsibilities and obligations at home and work.

• There may be many reasons why someone is hesitant to seek help — from lack of awareness to stigma and shame.
• Until you check into rehab, avoid bars, liquor stores, and other places where alcohol and drinking abound.
• Functional alcoholics are often in deep denial about their problem.
• Since drinking alcohol is a normal activity, high-functioning alcoholics often blend in with their friends and co-workers who also drink regularly, but who are not alcoholics.
• It can be hard to stop enabling someone you care about once you’ve recognized it.

Some people seem to be just fine even though they misuse alcohol. You may hear them called “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics. But those aren’t official medical terms. Family members may feel on edge and worried about their loved ones drinking. They may take steps to avoid the person while they are drinking, or they may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame.

Risk Factors for Functional Alcoholics

This can become a cycle of quitting alcohol, relapsing, and then abstaining again. Despite the desire to quit drinking, many people will refuse treatment or help. Often, there is a mindset that it is a personal problem that they need to “solve” themselves, despite it being notoriously difficult to achieve.

“In some families, drinking too much is seen as comical, not a big deal, or a must during celebrations,” she adds. Consequently, many people may not realize their drinking has become a genuine problem. “For example, you may notice your spouse drinking more beers at dinner, sleeping less and less, and increasingly on edge well before they start missing workdays,” Grawert adds. It is also possible to detox as part of an outpatient program, which features varying levels of support and treatment. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.