What is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

Functioning alcoholics are also very good at hiding their drinking and often in denial that they even have a problem with alcohol. On the surface, they appear to be living a normal sober life, yet they struggle with their addiction the same as a stereotypical alcoholic, often experiencing constant strong cravings and drinking heavily. A functioning alcoholic has developed a physical tolerance for and a dependence on alcohol. A functioning alcoholic, also called a high-functioning alcoholic, appears to live a normal life. They generally have healthy relationships with their family and friends, complete their education, and are active in their communities.

So how and when does one know if they or a loved one has a problem with alcohol. The term alcoholic is by nature very degrading and stigmatizing. Although some individuals in recovery find value in admitting that they are an alcoholic, it is something that many find difficulty in coming to terms with. Suggesting that one is alcoholic is suggestive that one fits into a one-size-fits-all demographic, which stereotypically conjures up images of a low-functioning individual. The truth is that alcoholism is not a one-size-fits-all epidemic, and it looks different for every individual.

While the consequences of their alcohol use may not be so apparent at the time, there is bound to be some area of their life that is indeed being impacted now or that will be impacted in the future. For example, interior physical damage caused by alcohol to the liver, pancreas, heart, and brain are often left unnoticed until it may be too late. 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 Number 1 Reason People Fail Dry January, and Fail Sobriety In General

In animal studies, CBD has been shown to be an effective tool against some of the characteristics of alcohol use disorder. Research demonstrates that CBD helps to reduce alcohol intake, motivation for alcohol and relapse. Alcohol can affect eco sober house every part of your body, impacting the health of each body system when used heavily or for prolonged periods of time. It is important to understand exactly how alcohol can affect your body so that you can be aware of changes that occur.

Sudden denial can force the brain to create homeostasis to counteract withdrawal effects. If they are a functioning alcoholic, they can function in all areas of life; you shouldn’t worry, right? Before answering that question, we need to define a functioning alcoholic. It’s important to find a quality rehab center that specializes in alcohol dependency. Our therapists are considered master-level experts and fully licensed.

The individuals find themselves undergoing withdrawal symptoms such as increased irritability, tiredness, and anxiety. Withdrawal can be disagreeable and disturbing enough that hostility and anxiety occur. A functional alcoholic is an individual who seems to be living a normal life but has an alcohol addiction. These types of individuals hold down stable jobs and have strong ties with their family, friends, and community. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

What is a Functioning Alcoholic?

It can be difficult to spot a high-functioning alcoholic but there are some signs to watch out for. Their spending habits change or they start experiencing financial issues. They are constantly finding excuses to drink such as a celebration, a bad day, a long work day, a weekend. It is hard to see the signs of functional alcoholism in those closest to you. Learning more about high-functioning alcoholism is the first step in understanding how to help you or your loved one.

Yes, high-functioning alcoholics may be in denial about their addiction and may not seek help for their trouble. It is important to address the issue with them and encourage them to seek professional help. Seeking professional help, such as counseling or a rehabilitation program, can significantly increase the chances of successful recovery. A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who can maintain their professional and personal responsibilities while engaging in excessive drinking.

More meanings of a functional alcoholic/addict, etc.

Short Online Quiz – Someone questioning whether or not they have an addiction to alcohol can get a better idea of their addiction level by taking a short and sweet online alcoholism quiz. This true-false questionnaire doesn’t take more than a few minutes eco sober house rating to complete and can be a vital first step towards truly recognizing if a problem really does exist. Either way, sticking with drinking even after identifying that it is having a real negative impact on life is a sure sign of a serious problem.

Instead, voice your concerns, share how their drinking is affecting others, and suggest ways that you can help them talk to a doctor or join a support group. If you are concerned about your loved one’s drinking, it can be helpful to join a support group such as Al-Anon. Such groups can offer valuable support, encouragement, advice, and information.

Ask A Professional – And last but not least, questioning individuals can get in contact with an actual addiction expert to get their professional opinion on whether or not they’re really an alcoholic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides the DSM-V’s criteria for diagnosing a substance use disorder. These criteria involve eleven specific questions to ask when it comes to examining alcohol addiction. While the clinical criteria for alcoholism is a great starting point, sometimes it’s more helpful to recognize certain behaviors instead of just the broad categories talked about above. And when it’s been a long time since the last drink, someone dependent on alcohol can experience what are known as withdrawals.

High Functioning vs Non-High Functioning Alcoholics

In fact, it is a sign of tolerance to alcohol, which is a red flag for addiction. He is so easy to recognize because he makes no effort to hide his drunken condition. This caricature of an alcoholic might work well in movies and TV, but is it accurate? People who suffer from addiction can be of any age, gender, race, and socioeconomic class. Many go to great lengths to hide their alcoholism and never appear drunk.

CBT helps patients peel back the metaphorical layers, allowing them to understand the factors contributing to their alcohol use disorder. Through CBT, those in recovery can also learn healthier ways to deal with possible triggers and cravings moving forward. Even if you don’t struggle with AUD, drinking alcohol has physical and mental health risks. The more you drink, the greater your chances of developing a physical or mental health problem.

Peer groups are frequently incorporated into a comprehensive aftercare plan; however, they are also an effective primary treatment component. It is important to remember that the journey to seeking treatment is unique to each person. Some may take longer than others to acknowledge an unhealthy relationship with alcohol andbe ready to get treatment. If your partner or spouse is a functioning alcoholic, it can be challenging to know how to help.

Pointing this out often results in either outright denial or an indignant and angry reaction. If you need help now, please call The District today, we can offer help with ourOrange County rehabpartnerships and oursober living homesthat can help keep you or your loved one committed to your sobriety. Recovered.org provides an anonymous online evaluation tool to check if drinking has become problematic and provides further resources for help and support. Due to some people’s ability to mask their AUD, it is difficult to find research on those that are high functioning. While some people end up on the streets or incarcerated as a consequence of their addiction, many others continue to lead outwardly successful lives while struggling with their inner demons. We help our clients and their families recognize and accept the extent of the effect of addiction in their lives.

How Does an Alcoholic or Other Substance Abuse Affect the Household?

This conversation should not take place at a time when the person is drunk. Wait until they’re sober and carefully broach the topic of their drinking. Besides the reliance on alcohol, there’s the need to keep up appearances. This can take an increasing toll on every aspect of the person’s life, including their relationships. Being able to maintain major life responsibilities does not mean that alcohol is not harming them.

Still, some signs to look out for include drinking alone, hiding alcohol, and functioning despite drinking excessively. It is important to note that not all high-functioning alcoholics will exhibit these behaviors. High functioning alcoholics are more common than you might expect.

The longer you live with AUD, the higher your risk of developing complications that can lead to death. According to 2020 data by the CDC, nearly 30,000 people died that year from alcoholic liver disease . This is why psychological counseling, such as talk therapy, is important if you’re recovering from AUD. This can help you learn new coping skills so you can turn to other behaviors instead of drinking in order to live a healthier life. In addition, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism , alcohol misuse like binge drinking and heavy drinking can increase your risk for developing alcohol use disorder . Examples include sweating, shaking, or feeling sick to your stomach.

They often are very successful at their jobs, and many excel in high-powered career fields. If you’re ready to recover from alcoholism, Elevate Rehab’s alcohol rehab in California can provide you with the support you need. Our alcohol detox and treatment programs treat the whole person—not just their addiction. https://sober-home.org/ Relational issues – Alcoholism can cause a lot of damage to one’s relationships. Some functional alcoholics may get out of control while they’re intoxicated and treat their loved ones in regrettable ways. They may also become moody or irritable if they have to go for prolonged periods without alcohol.

Chronic severe alcoholism—a subcategory of AUD, for example—makes up around nine percent of those suffering from AUD, Psychology Today reports. Many are often surprised to learn that most people battling AUD are categorized as high-functioning alcoholics . Someone with high functioning alcoholism is able to hold down a job, socialize with friends, and maintain intimate personal relationships while demonstrating a pattern of dysfunctional drinking behavior. High functioning alcoholics still suffer from an addiction, but it’s harder to see evidence of the problem unless you’re looking very closely. The term high-functioning alcoholic refers to a pattern of alcohol abuse that has little interference with social, professional, or personal obligations.

• Many who abuse alcohol believe themselves to be high-functioning alcoholics, this is a negative line of thinking.


• Ask your doctor about getting help — whether it’s from a therapist, psychiatrist, or other addiction specialist.


• This conversation should not take place at a time when the person is drunk.


• Medical detox can help minimize the unpleasant and dangerous side effects of alcohol withdrawal.

We are accredited by the Joint Commission and employ a staff of medical professionals and licensed addiction treatment providers. If you or someone you love is ready to begin treatment for alcohol addiction,contact ustoday to learn more about programs that can work well for your needs. However, these individuals still have to deal with the effects of alcohol abuse, including mental and physical health problems. High-functioning alcoholics are often able to carry on for a long time because they, like those around them, are in denial about the problem. Maintaining a job, paying for bills, having healthy relationships, and other successes are often used as a way to minimize the impact alcohol has on a person’s life.