6 Signs & Symptoms Of A High-Functioning Alcoholic

A high-functioning alcoholic’s addiction is just as dangerous as someone with repeat DUIs or who gets into fights with loved ones because of their drinking. Another sign of a high-functioning alcoholic is an unusually high tolerance for alcohol. Over time, their bodies adapt to the increasing levels of alcohol consumption, making it necessary for them to drink larger quantities to achieve the desired effects. This tolerance can be concerning because it often leads to more excessive and dangerous drinking patterns. For many high functioning alcoholics, this shame is a way of self-denying the problem. By hiding the drinking and making excuses, you can convince yourself you don’t have a problem.

How to help friends and family

• They manage to go about their lives, fulfilling work or school obligations, often without anyone realizing the extent of their drinking problem.
• Your doctor may order this test if your blood tests indicate abnormal liver functioning.
• Because these indicators tend to appear gradually over time, they can be challenging to identify, as well as to connect directly to drinking.

They’ll binge drink on weekends to ensure they have no obligations the following day. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Seek specialized help and let professionals guide you in your recovery.

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Finding alcohol that a loved one has hidden away or was sneaking can be a sign of functional alcoholism. They may keep some stashed around the house, in the car, or even at work. It’s common for those struggling with AUD to use drinking as a way of self-medicating. Stress at work, loss of a loved one, or untreated trauma are all things that can cause distress when they go unmanaged.

FAQs About High Functioning Alcoholism & Alcohol Use Disorder

A high-functioning alcoholic will usually appear healthy despite consuming large amounts of alcohol. Although they can live a perfectly normal life, they can still benefit from professional help. Without help, their AUD can worsen and cause long-term health and social problems. We specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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However, this seeming functionality masks their underlying struggle with alcohol addiction, making it harder for others to recognize the problem. The term “high-functioning alcoholic” refers to individuals who maintain a façade of normalcy in their daily lives while secretly struggling with alcohol dependence. Despite their appearance of stability, these individuals face serious risks and challenges.

Get Treatment for High Functioning Alcoholism

• While this might seem like an advantage, it’s actually detrimental to one’s health.
• Alcohol abuse increases the risk of physical and emotional violence, as well as substance abuse in other family members.
• There are many treatment options available for someone who’s dealing with any level of problematic drinking or alcohol use disorder, including functioning alcoholism.
• However, there are effective strategies for guiding them toward the help they need.

Many medical facilities and mental health professionals employ strict privacy measures, which can alleviate concerns about damaging their reputation. In many ways, the most significant danger for high-functioning alcoholics is that they can go on for years—sometimes decades—without facing obvious heroin addiction life-altering consequences. During this time, the damage to their physical health and emotional well-being accumulates, making eventual recovery efforts more complicated. Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible, even for high-functioning alcoholics.

• High-functional alcoholism is a serious problem that can lead to severe physical and mental health complications.
• They drink alcohol with every meal and often carry alcohol with them.
• For example, a computed tomography (CT) scan tests for liver enlargement, which can occur after years of chronic drinking.
• 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 accepted lifestyle.
• The symptoms and risk factors above should help give you an idea of whether you, or someone you know, may be a functioning alcoholic.

When confronted about their drinking issues, some alcoholics are capable of providing seemingly reasonable and rational explanations for why they drink so much or so often. Often, this will involve issues that everyone deals with in their own way, so it’s not a big leap of logic to believe that someone might have a few drinks to take the edge off. Some common explanations for drinking might include https://ecosoberhouse.com/ too much stress at work, dealing with unruly kids, or even something like alcohol helping them fall asleep after a long day. Counseling also provides a safe space for high-functioning alcoholics to discuss their feelings and challenges without judgment.

In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a high-functioning alcoholic, identify the signs, discuss its effects on relationships, and review available treatment options. There are many treatment options available for someone who’s dealing with any level of problematic drinking or alcohol use disorder, including functioning functioning alcoholic husband alcoholism. Residential treatment is usually the most intensive level of care and could be appropriate if someone needs to step away from their current environment and requires a lot of help to stop drinking.