High functioning alcoholic: Signs, risks, and more

They say things like, “we can’t let these drinks go to waste” or “rehab is for quitters.” They laugh about how much alcohol they consume on a daily basis and try to make light of a serious situation. In reality, they’re in deep denial about the reality of their addiction. Essentially, a high-functioning alcoholic is a person who is addicted to alcohol but has yet to really suffer from the negative consequences of their drinking. A high-functioning alcoholic may experience some consequences related to their drinking, but they are not enough to limit their ability to maintain their responsibilities.

What are the signs of AUD?

• They’re able to successfully manage tasks around their work, school, family, and finances, he says.
• High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease.
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• “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.

If possible, get other family member and friends involved and stage an intervention. According to a government survey, about 20% of alcoholics in America are high-functioning alcoholics. They take care of their families, always pay their bills, and avoid trouble with the law.

How Does a Person Become a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

Even though you may be able to function better than others on large amounts of alcohol, the long-term psychological and physical effects can be damaging and deadly. Support groups can also help people who are codependent on a high-functioning alcoholic. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who are trying to recover from a codependent relationship. Other support groups, such as Al-Anon, are available for friends and family members who need help dealing with an alcoholic’s issues.

Chemical dependence

People addicted to alcohol may be able to function at work or in social drinking situation, but they’re unable to hide the disease from the person closest to them. Another way that many alcoholics may deflect from their relationship with drinking is by drawing comparisons to behaviors in others that they deem “worse” than their addiction. Sometimes, this might be pointing to people they know who drink more or have more severe consequences after drinking. In other circumstances, they might explain away their addiction by stating that it’s not as bad as drug addiction or some other substance use issue. They might even rationalize their issues as only affecting themselves whereas murderers or other criminals hurt or kill others. High-functioning alcoholics are more likely to develop some types of cancer, high blood pressure, liver and pancreas problems and memory loss.

• It’s not uncommon to see high-functioning alcoholics replace meals with a few drinks.
• Organizations such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine can guide you to help, too.
• They frequently have alcohol, talk about it, and spend money on it.
• Over time, this worsens, leading to less ability to meet relationship requirements.
• You might picture someone who drinks all the time, rarely has a day without a hangover and often can’t recall what happened the night before.
• Even if you are aware that your drinking has become a problem, it’s common to worry about what others might think.

Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment is evidence-based and tailored to your individual needs. We’ll help you begin working through trauma and other challenges that perpetuate substance abuse and mental health issues. However, even high-functioning alcoholics can’t keep drinking problems a secret forever. Key warning signs that people are alcoholics include always ordering alcohol when they go out or struggling to control how much they drink.

Genetic or environmental factors can cause high-functioning alcoholism. For example, a family history of alcoholism or a stressful environment. Although a person with high-functioning alcoholism may appear fine, they are not. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Because of this appearance, their problem doesn’t seem as severe as other types of alcoholism.

Treatment

A functional alcoholic often consumes as much alcohol as someone with an alcohol use disorder. 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. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery. Submit your number to receive a call today from a treatment provider.

The symptoms and side effects of the disorder will also differ for each person, and researchers categorize alcoholics into five distinct subtypes. They manage to „blend in“ because their drinking seems contextually appropriate. Unfortunately, this external normalcy makes it hard for others to recognize the depth of their problem. They may sneak alcohol high functioning alcoholic into their daily routine, drinking before or after work or during their lunch breaks.

Many people with AUDs decide to have further treatment and support, such as attending group therapy, individual counseling, or support groups. Acknowledging this sign of high-functioning alcoholism is crucial for early intervention https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and treatment, which can help break the cycle of isolation and addiction. Recognizing this pattern is crucial as it is a common characteristic of high-functioning alcoholism, and addressing it is an essential step toward recovery. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.

• In addition, there were almost 50,000 other alcohol-related deaths.
• It is important to note that these signs may not be obvious to a loved one or friend.
• These issues can be insidious and increase as a person becomes more dependent on alcohol.
• All experts agree that when talking to your loved one, it’s best to be patient and compassionate.
• Such groups can offer valuable support, encouragement, advice, and information.

Signs your loved one is in denial

The term “currently-functioning“ may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely. 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. Some high-functioning alcoholics never binge drink and rarely become drunk. It is not uncommon for individuals with AUD to experience conflict with family and friends, and have drinking negatively impact their job, schooling, and overall safety. For this reason, these factors are a part of the diagnostic criteria.