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The Challenges of Being a High-Functioning Alcoholic: Family Addiction Specialist: Addiction Counselor

For example, you might imagine an “alcoholic” as someone who is constantly near-blackout drunk, and someone who’s unable to maintain a job or family life. However, this and other related misnomers such as “functional alcoholic” are no longer used because of the potential stigma that can prevent someone from seeking help. Liver damage is the most talked about physical consequence and that is a concern almost immediately. Alcoholics can go on to develop heart, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. There can also be declines in their mental and overall health, especially if they’re not eating healthy diets or engaging in physical activity.

• Despite saying they’re going to have “just one drink,” high-functioning alcoholics are unable to limit their alcohol consumption.
• That’s why it is so important to know how to recognize the signs of alcoholism and to always treat this substance with care.
• At first, the drinking starts as an addition to any social situation, and transitions into drinking for any situation.
• This is because people can be skillful at hiding the signs of an issue with alcohol.
• Family members may feel on edge and worried about their loved ones drinking.
• However, it is important to understand that a drinking problem can have serious physical and mental health consequences.

Even worse, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Alcohol might be socially acceptable, and AUD may not garner the same press coverage as the opioid epidemic, but it remains a clear and present danger when abused. How can you pick up on the early warning signs and characteristics of high-functioning alcoholism then? We’ll explore this next before we examine how to identify and help a high-functioning alcoholic in your life. It is important to always approach the subject from a supportive and concerned position and to try to avoid confrontation with the addicted individual.

Signs & Symptoms Of A High-Functioning Alcoholic

When it comes to high-functioning alcoholics, might be intoxicated one time and sober the next. This is the result of a split personality, where a person is either up or down. Compared to high functioning alcoholic a roller coaster, this type of emotional management can take a toll in the long run. Even though functional alcoholism might appear doable short-term, and long-term, it’s unsustainable.

• As withdrawal can be a high-risk experience, a medical detox is advised for high-functioning alcoholics.
• The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
• Many of these individuals experience functioning co-occurring mental health conditions while struggling with addiction.
• You probably have a stereotypical image of someone who is an alcoholic.
• The chance of getting into a motor vehicle accident while under the influence is among them.
• If you’re ready to seek treatment for alcoholism or would like to know more about your treatment options, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help.

Community groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can provide ongoing emotional support. It is important to remember to confront high-functioning alcoholics when they are sober. During an intervention, you should be assertive and clearly explain how your loved one’s alcoholism has negatively impacted you, them, and everyone else you both know. After all, you are trying to help this person and convince them to seek treatment. Emphasize to your loved one that they will suffer even worse consequences from their alcoholism in the future if they fail to change.

High-Functioning Alcoholics

Anyone can develop an addiction regardless of their social, physical, or economic background. That’s why it is so important to know how to recognize the signs of alcoholism and to always treat this substance with care. When an individual is dating a functional alcoholic, several things can be done. For example, contacting the local chapter of AA to specifically find a group for partners of functional alcoholics is key. No devious implications about their drinking addiction, especially when you’re dating a functional alcoholic.

• Encouraging loved ones struggling with alcohol addiction to seek help and providing them with resources and support can make a significant difference in their journey toward sobriety.
• If you think you or someone you know is a functional alcoholic, even someone with a mild alcohol use disorder, don’t wait until problems occur to seek alcohol rehab.
• By Buddy T

  Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.

• If needed, your doctor may also order blood tests to check your liver function.

“I’m only drinking beer tonight,” or “I only drink on weeknights.” These kinds of limitations help prevent binge drinking or prevent abuse. However, it could be an attempt for someone to convince themselves that they’re in control of their drinking. For anyone who’s concerned about a loved one’s https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-and-anxiety-can-drinking-cause-panic-attacks/ drinking, please find a community of support like Al-Anon. Whether your loved one agrees or not, their actions affect you and you deserve outside support. Other alternatives include group or individualized therapy, consulting educational resources and books, or attending online support groups.

Recovery Coaching

Most work full time and have stable relationships along with high earnings. People with high-functioning alcoholism tend to drink every other day and consume five or more drinks per sitting. They are also the most likely of all the alcoholic subtypes to be college-educated, and the least likely to use illegal drugs. 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.

Just because someone with an alcohol use disorder (the medical term for an alcoholic) is functioning doesn’t mean they’re functioning well or functioning in each aspect of their lives. Keep that idea in mind while you approach the topic of alcohol abuse and addiction. Unfortunately, even when functional alcoholics begin to recognize that they have a drinking problem, they still resist reaching out for help. By the time they admit the problem, their withdrawal symptoms—which can begin within a few hours after their last drink—can become more and more severe. If you are a high-functioning alcoholic and you know it’s time to overcome your addiction, tell your family and friends that you’ve decided to quit alcohol and separate from people who will not support your recovery. Until you check into rehab, avoid bars, liquor stores, and other places where alcohol and drinking abound.

How Do People Become Functioning Alcoholics?

A doctor may also diagnose AUD by asking about your health history and drinking patterns. If you give permission, they may speak to your family or loved ones regarding how much you drink. There is research showing that about 19.5 percent of people with AUD are middle-aged, well-educated, and have stable jobs, homes, and families. This could include people with high-functioning AUD, but these criteria are not definitive characteristics.

If you have AUD but are not connected with treatment, the risk of progressing to more severe AUD is much greater. People who are close to a person with AUD may need support to understand how to help their loved ones. For some people, AUD may also mean more than physical dependence, but a stress reliever or source of psychological escape. Since you only need to fulfill 2 or more of the DSM-5 criteria within the last year to be diagnosed with AUD, you might still be fully contributing to your home life, job, and other areas of your life. You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition. Individual therapy, combined with marriage or family counseling, can strengthen your self-esteem and help you build a healthy, sober relationship.

The Most Famous High-Functioning Alcoholics in History

Express an openness to talk about their drinking, provide support and establish boundaries. Make it clear to him that you will not support their drinking or unhealthy behaviors, and you will not share in the consequences. Your provider can also perform tests to see if you have developed any medical concerns from alcohol misuse and recommend counseling, rehabilitation, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. Family members may feel on edge and worried about their loved ones drinking.