But with people who have mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, the signs might not be so obvious. They pay their bills, hold down good jobs and maintain relationships with family and friends while they continue to drink. In reality, a high-functioning alcoholic may be experiencing a great deal of stress while they maintain their drinking and all the dressings of a socially high functioning alcoholic accepted lifestyle. So the appearance of functioning may be carefully manufactured to keep their alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) unchecked and unaddressed. So it becomes difficult to ascertain the true relationship that they have with alcohol. The reality of what an addiction to alcohol looks like in terms of outward appearances varies for different individuals.

Why Is High-Functioning Alcoholism Dangerous?

Your doctor may order this test if your blood tests indicate abnormal liver functioning. 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. There’s no shame in accepting you need treatment for alcohol addiction. Treatments, like those listed below, can help you to overcome your dependency on alcohol and put you on path to a healthy future. Additionally, the story of Dan Mager, an LMSW and author, illustrates how overcoming addiction and chronic pain led to empowerment and a newfound purpose in helping others. Mandy Manners, a sober coach, celebrates her sobriety by sharing her experiences and supporting others through their recovery journey.

Seeking Support From Others

If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you spot signs of alcoholism in a loved one, encourage them to seek help. You can research available resources in your area where they can connect with support. Bedside Stories highlights captivating personal stories that take place behind the scenes in health care.

Negative Consequences Of Alcohol Addiction

They still want to feel the buzz or numb out from their problems for a while, so they will begin drinking more as their tolerance to alcohol increases. High-functioning alcoholics will rarely admit that they have a problem. But if someone in your life has three or more alcoholic beverages per day (two or more for women), they are consuming more than the recommended amount.

• People who are high functioning with a drinking problem “seem to have everything together,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor.
• Additionally, the story of Dan Mager, an LMSW and author, illustrates how overcoming addiction and chronic pain led to empowerment and a newfound purpose in helping others.
• Even if a high-functioning alcoholic never suffers any legal or professional consequences from alcohol abuse, their body will still suffer.
• By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.
• These behaviors, while not exhaustive, are significant red flags and may help in identifying individuals who are high-functioning alcoholics.
• It is important to recognize that despite their ability to uphold responsibilities, these individuals are at risk for severe health and social consequences related to their alcohol use.

• Left unmanaged, compulsive drinking behaviors can get progressively worse, with their negative impact on your life becoming ever more apparent.
• Unlike some sufferers, whose lives have been severely damaged due to alcohol, high functioning alcoholics may not be able to see significant consequences for their drinking.
• Although an intervention can take many forms, many of these meetings open with each participant stating how the alcoholic’s behavior has harmed or disappointed them.

Researchers cited further risk factors, such as having a child under 18 and at home, having depression, and having fewer social interactions due to the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 95,000 people lose their lives every year due to excessive alcohol use. By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. Consider speaking to your primary care provider about your concerns or attending a support group as a first step. If someone you are close to is living with alcohol use disorder, you may be looking for ways to help them cope with the impacts of their disease on your own life. Below are some signs that you or someone you love may be living with alcohol use disorder.

Many alcoholics take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day – such as dancing on bars, going home with strangers, doing drugs, having sex, and more. At the time, they may not seem extremely intoxicated, but when asked about their behavior the next day, they’re unable to remember what happened. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ In many instances, a spouse or partner may use the phrase “high-functioning” to downplay the seriousness of their alcohol addiction. When drinking socially or with colleagues, one drink often leads to several. This happens every time or frequently enough that drinking seems to become out of control and raises questions.

‘High-functioning alcoholic’ shared the moment she realised she had an addiction

“Functioning” is subjective and limiting when describing a person living with alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism affects everyone in a household — not just the individual who drinks. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of physical and emotional violence, as well as substance abuse in other family members. An addiction therapist can help you find positive ways to deal with the stress of living with a functional alcoholic.

• This is where family, friends and medical professionals can work together to create a plan to help end this cycle before they do more harm to themselves.
• If you think that you or someone you know may be drinking too much, ask your doctor about getting help – whether it’s from a therapist, psychiatrist, or other addiction specialist.
• 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.
• These setups can also work along with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Articles Related to Alcoholism

• The societal perception that success and alcoholism are mutually exclusive further reinforces this denial, making it difficult for individuals to acknowledge their need for help.
• High-functioning alcoholics crave alcohol, develop tolerance to it over time, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.
• At some point, a high-functioning alcoholic has tried to quit drinking but failed in their attempt.
• Although people who know high-functioning alcoholics are sometimes afraid to confront them with the truth, high-functioning alcoholics need honest support from friends and family to make the decision to seek help.
• This type of reckless behavior isn’t part of the image they’ve worked so hard to create, and in turn, they work harder to avoid mistakes in the future.