Am I a High-Functioning Alcoholic? Know the Signs

Clinically, for an individual to be diagnosed with alcohol abuse disorder they must meet certain criteria, or in other words, they must display certain symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol use disorder is classified by severity as mild (the individual meets 2 or 3 of 11 criteria), moderate (4 or 5 of 11 criteria), or severe (6 or more of 11 criteria). Furthermore, alcohol abuse may look different for different individuals. For example, some individuals may be a daily drinker while others may binge drink on weekends. Both cases can be problematic if the individual displays adverse symptoms. 19 to 25% of all people in the US with an alcohol use disorder are considered high functioning alcoholics.

Such groups can offer valuable support, encouragement, advice, and information. In the short term, alcohol use increases the risk for alcohol poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome, accidents, injuries, violence, and risky sexual behavior. They may try to quit independently, but the withdrawals are too unpleasant or severe. Therefore, they continue to drink to keep the withdrawals at bay, and the cycle continues.

Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

A functioning alcoholic, otherwise a high-functioning alcoholic, depends on alcohol but can function professionally, personally, and socially. The conventional definition is that this would be an individual who needs their regular drink but can perform https://sober-house.org/ their duties without any problem. They consume alcohol regularly and rarely go to an event or get-together without alcoholic drinks. You know they depend on alcohol, but they might jokingly refer to themselves as “functioning alcoholics”.

The functional alcoholic can function at social events but is not able to hide it from their spouse. For example, the spouse might see the partner drinking secretly or discover the emotional side effects of alcoholism. It’s possible that the spouse can become emotionally abusive or distant too. A “functional alcoholic” (or “high-functioning alcoholic”) isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but a term used colloquially to describe a person who is dependent upon alcohol but can still function in society. The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely. A Booklet for Families

Created for family members of people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems.

Signs Of High-Functioning Alcoholism

A high-functioning alcoholic might hold down a job and have a family despite an underlying struggle with alcohol addiction. High-functioning alcoholics often hide the severity of their abuse from friends and loved ones. Your coworkers, friends, and family members may be high-functioning alcoholics without even knowing it. Take some time to learn the signs and symptoms to better understand this issue that many individuals face. Family members of functional alcoholics need to be careful not to become codependent on their loved one.

In addition to the health effects of having an alcohol use disorder, it can also take a toll on relationships. Drinking doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the entire family unit. You may hear them called  “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics. When someone has become dependent on alcohol, it’s quite likely that they are also–or will soon become–addicted to it. When someone is addicted, they have not only a physical need for alcohol but also a mental and emotional need for it.

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Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery. Addresses concerns of children of parents with substance use/abuse problems. Alcoholics who can successfully hide their drinking are particularly concerning because they could end up drinking longer than most and causing irreversible damage to their health. It may be difficult for this person to get help because they may be in denial and their loved ones may not realize something is wrong.

Even after binge drinking, they rarely have any symptoms of a hangover because of their tolerance to alcohol. Tolerance can quickly turn into physical dependence if the person experiences physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. For example, if not consuming alcohol over a certain period of time–hours or days–creates physical eco sober house review symptoms, that person is dependent on alcohol. Common symptoms of withdrawal include mood swings, restlessness, and irritability. A spouse or significant other who lives with a functional alcoholic may also become an enabler, meaning they cover up the alcoholic’s mistakes so there are no consequences for the alcohol abuse.

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Joseph uses his own experiences as motivation to continue educating individuals, families, and communities about the disease of addiction and how to break the chains of addiction. A high-functioning alcoholic may be unable or unwilling to recognize that they are drinking out of compulsion. They may deny they have a problem, pointing to their successful life and career. It may not be apparent that a functioning alcoholic is living with addiction.

Heavy drinking increases the risk for liver disease, pancreatitis, cancers, brain damage, high blood pressure, and cognitive deterioration. Heavy drinking also increases the chances that an individual will die in a car accident or from a murder or suicide. Furthermore, heavy drinking also increases the risk of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

These are just alcoholics who prefer to cite their functionality to hide or justify their alcoholism. Before you speak to your partner, rehearse what you are going to say. During this step, let your words come from a supportive and loving place, instead of a judgemental and accusing one. No devious implications about their drinking addiction, especially when you’re dating a functional alcoholic. So, passive-aggressive comments won’t make them suddenly deal with their issues.

• Other alternatives include group or individualized therapy, consulting educational resources and books, or attending online support groups.
• The side effects might not catch up to them until old age, when chronic alcohol abuse takes its toll on their liver, heart and brain.
• The Hope House is a luxury rehab dedicated to providing the best personalized care to achieve long-term recovery.
• An individual can be a highly successful trader and an alcohol addict.
• For the functional alcoholic, the denial runs deep, because they have yet to encounter significant negative consequences.

The next question to address is how can one determine whether or not functional alcoholism is a problem either in their own life or in the life of someone they know and love. Below are some of the most common behavioral signs of a drinking problem, even as a functional alcoholic. The hallmark of a functional alcoholic is someone who is able to maintain a productive and cohesive life while still being addicted to alcohol. As a result, it can be difficult to know what such a problem drinker looks like. Now, it’s important to remember that there are many different kinds of alcoholics and drinkers in the world.

Functional alcoholics feel if the world doesn’t see that they have a problem, then it doesn’t exist. In layman’s terms, if they’re happy, successful, and doing well financially, then they are fine. Know that you’ll be the one to make a move for them to check in addiction treatment center near Chicago IL. The functioning alcoholics find it challenging to admit they have an issue, so below are signs to determine if they are one. People with alcohol use disorders, including those with mild types, often isolate themselves to hide how much they drink. They may experience legal problems, usually in the form of a DUI or after an accident involving drinking.

• For some people, AUD may also mean more than physical dependence, but a stress reliever or source of psychological escape.
• For anyone who’s concerned about a loved one’s drinking, please find a community of support like Al-Anon.
• Valerie has extensive experience in motivational interviewing, treating co-occurring disorders and correcting distorted thinking.
• Since these individuals go about their day, go to work, go to school, and/or care for their families, people often fail to suspect them of having a drinking problem.
• After all, you are trying to help this person and convince them to seek treatment.

The key phrase is, of course, “functioning.” A functioning alcoholic does not experience many interruptions in work, life, or relationships due to their drinking patterns. These issues can include showing up late to work more often, being less productive, taking more sick days, and potentially even drinking on the job in hopes of quelling nerves and anxiety. Even though functional alcoholism might appear doable short-term, and long-term, it’s unsustainable. Furthermore, it’s also unsustainable to be in a relationship with a high-functioning alcoholic who doesn’t address their addiction and check into an alcohol and drug addiction rehab center.