What Is a High Functioning Alcoholic? Understanding the Hidden Struggle

They may acknowledge that they drink more alcohol than they should but deny that it’s a problem and that need to stop drinking. However, heavy drinking will almost always become a problem over time. If you are able to be open with them about your drinking, they may help you get on the path to sobriety, and ensure that you do it in a safe and healthy way. This is especially valuable since withdrawing from alcohol can be dangerous or even deadly if you try to stop on your own. Answer the following questions to see if you might be a high-functioning alcoholic. If you find yourself answering “yes” to at least two of the following questions, it may indicate an alcohol use disorder and that you could benefit from getting professional help.

High Functioning Alcoholic Signs: Understanding Alcoholic Behavior

• There may also be new legal issues arising for them, like driving under the influence or making other poor decisions.
• The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics noted that nearly 60% of violent incidents against a domestic partner or family member were committed under the influence of alcohol.
• Recovery is possible with the right help, and addressing the problem now can prevent severe consequences in the future.

High-functioning alcoholism is essentially a subset of AUD where the outward signs are less noticeable. Denovo Recovery is here to provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with high functioning alcoholism. Our addiction treatment center in St. Joseph, MO, offers personalized treatment plans and a compassionate team of professionals to help you or your loved one on the path to recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and take the first step towards alcoholism a healthier, alcohol-free life. If you recognize signs of alcoholism in yourself, you should seek help from medical professionals such as a psychiatrist, primary care doctor or therapist. Be honest about how much you’re drinking and what symptoms you’re experiencing.

High-Functioning vs Non-High Functioning Alcoholics

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For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. High-functioning alcoholism refers to individuals who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder but can still perform daily responsibilities effectively. Unlike the stereotypical image of alcoholism, these individuals may hold steady jobs, maintain relationships, and appear outwardly successful. However, they are still at risk for severe long-term health effects and personal consequences.

Our experienced team is committed to helping individuals regain control of their lives and achieve lasting recovery. High functioning alcoholism may seem manageable at first, but over time, it often worsens. Increased tolerance leads to heavier drinking, raising the risk of addiction, health problems, and life consequences. Without intervention, alcohol use can spiral into full dependence, affecting relationships, career, and overall well-being.

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A person with high-functioning alcoholism may develop a high tolerance, requiring more alcohol to feel the same effects. What once took one or two drinks to achieve relaxation may now take several more, increasing the risk of overconsumption. Many functioning alcoholics put caps on how much alcohol they’re allowed to consume at one time. By sticking to this amount, they push away the possibility of having a problem.

Living with a High-Functioning Alcoholic: Signs and Support

• Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics that define high functioning alcoholics and the impact of their behavior.
• The signs and symptoms listed above should be a good indicator of high-functioning alcoholism.
• Whether you have an alcoholic spouse, partner or other loved one, you may be wondering how to help.

Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of a high-functioning alcoholic is crucial for early detection and support. It can be tempting to keep someone’s drinking a secret if they are high-functioning. After all, you don’t want to disrupt the parts of their life that are actually working. But in order to stay healthy and get the addict help, you need to seek out the support of other people. Go to a support group for people who love alcoholics, like Al-Anon, or speak to a counselor or therapist. Getting support can ensure that you stay healthy and safe while you do the best you can to encourage your struggling loved one towards recovery.

• Recovery is possible through therapy, rehab programs, and support groups.
• Functioning alcoholics are better at hiding their major problems and at-risk behavior.
• Different from shyness or social awkwardness, social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, causes intense fear when socializing with others.
• You likely have questions about how to deal with an alcoholic or how to help an alcoholic.
• If it’s time to seek help, contact us to learn about our treatment approach and facilities.

The Consequences of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Even if an individual appears to be managing their responsibilities, work performance can decline over time. Frequent absences, reduced productivity, and strained professional relationships are common issues. Friends and family may not notice functional alcoholic husband the problem immediately, but over time, the impact becomes evident. Addressing these issues early is crucial for maintaining healthy and supportive relationships. Identifying a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging since they often appear to maintain their daily responsibilities. However, certain behaviors and patterns can indicate a deeper issue.

They might maintain employment, handle many of their day-to-day responsibilities and even thrive in certain social or professional settings. However, the façade of control and stability typically masks an underlying problem with alcohol that can be just as severe and damaging as more overt forms of alcoholism. Even though high-functioning alcoholics seem to have control, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, nausea, or tremors when they do not drink.

Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage. A high-functioning alcoholic can exist in any social class, profession, or cultural background. They may be a spouse, a parent, a top-level executive, or a college student. Over time, these individuals risk a decline in mental and physical health as their body and relationships bear the weight of long-term alcohol misuse. Finally, high-functioning alcoholics may feel like they can handle their alcohol addiction and they don’t want to ask for help. High functioning alcoholics should seek treatment from qualified professionals to overcome their addiction and live healthy lives.