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

When they know other people are going to be around, high-functioning alcoholics may sneak a drink early, drink before going out to the bar or club, or drink alone. This hidden drinking and secretive lifestyle is a huge red flag when it comes to alcoholism and shouldn’t be ignored. Just because someone is high-functioning doesn’t mean they’re not at risk of hurting themselves or others as a result of their drinking. It’s important to treat high-functioning alcoholics https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-a-high-functioning-alcoholic/ just like all other addicts by helping them realize the severity of their addiction and encouraging them to seek treatment. Whether you’re struggling with high-functioning alcoholism or dysfunctional alcoholism, recovery is possible, and evidence-based treatment can help pave the way on your journey to sobriety. Lastly, high-functioning alcoholics can often develop a serious brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also known as wet brain.

The term “functional alcoholic” is heavily debated in the addiction community, but it’s part of the social vernacular so it’s valuable to discuss the common misconceptions. 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. Family members of functional alcoholics need to be careful not to become codependent on their loved one. Codependence refers to helping another person to an extent that you experience health or social problems.

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Or in some way the individual’s relationships with their loved ones may slowly deteriorate over time as they spend more time drinking and less time being present and connecting with others. The consequences will show up in different ways at different times and in different severities for every individual, but they will show up in some way if the individual’s relationship with alcohol is unhealthy. If you or your family members have a drinking problem and are concerned about the long-term effects of alcohol abuse, please contact Ohio Recovery Center for information on our treatment options today.

• High-functioning alcoholism is still alcoholism, and high-functioning alcohol abuse is still alcohol abuse.
• These people are commonly referred to as high-functioning alcoholics, functional alcoholics or working alcoholics.
• When they know other people are going to be around, high-functioning alcoholics may sneak a drink early, drink before going out to the bar or club, or drink alone.

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. DUIs, trouble at work and family drama can be avoided by seeking help before the disease progresses. People with alcohol use disorders don’t fall into either a highly-functional or dysfunctional category. In fact, every person experiences different symptoms and side effects of the disease. Researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism developed five types of alcoholics.

Signs You’re a High Functioning Alcoholic

An individual’s circumstances, personality, and physiology can all play a part in what symptoms they experience. Diagnosing an alcohol use disorder requires taking into consideration any symptoms that may be present. However, not everyone dealing with alcohol addiction presents obvious symptoms. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can impact short- and long-term physical and mental health.

Because of this tolerance, they have to drink increasingly larger amounts in order to feel the “buzz” they desire. While the appearance of their drinking may seem functional, there might be hidden consequences as a result of their alcohol use disorder. Although some well-known signs of addiction may not be present, for example a DUI or a lost job, those outcomes may yet happen. And there are other less obvious warning signals you can look for that indicate an alcohol use disorder. In addition, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol misuse like binge drinking and heavy drinking can increase your risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Signs Of A High-Functioning Alcoholic

At first, the drinking starts as an addition to any social situation, and transitions into drinking for any situation. Some individuals might view alcoholism as drinking too much in general, but it can start with moderate drinking at inappropriate times. When a person is in a relationship with a high-functional alcoholic, numerous common things might be experienced frequently. Some people become addicted to alcohol quickly, and others develop the disease over time. People who participate in underage drinking are more likely to become addicted because the developing brain is more vulnerable to the effects of the substance. Some experts prefer the term “currently-functioning alcoholic” because odds are such people aren’t going to remain functional forever.

• The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations evaluates quality of care provided by healthcare organizations.
• It’s not uncommon to see high-functioning alcoholics replace meals with a few drinks.
• It also describes more than 15 drinks per week as heavy drinking for a man.
• Also, high-functioning alcoholics will finish the drinks of others and never leave a drink on the table.
• If left untreated, people with dysfunctional alcoholism may lose their jobs, homes, relationships, and security.
• These individuals may regularly participate in heavy drinking or similar behavior but manage to maintain their responsibilities without friends or loved ones realizing how problematic their drinking habits have become.

He’s had to deal with many complaints in the office about his temper and drinking on the job. His wife no longer sees his drinking as something that makes him “fun.” She’s starting to see the reality of Josh’s alcohol use as it makes him increasingly selfish and irritable. 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.

Often, husbands and wives are the sole parties aware of their spouse’s alcohol problems. In general, a person will describe someone that is managing alcohol addiction as a person that is down on their luck, broke, and typically jobless. This image that is conjured in the minds of most is flat wrong and has led to many professionals and “high-functioning” people with alcohol use disorder going unnoticed.

Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica’s empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery are support groups specifically designed for people in recovery from an alcohol-related condition. Everyone needs a support network, and having a designated group committed to recovery can increase the likelihood of sustained sobriety.