High Functioning Alcoholic What Are the Signs?

AUD is also under the category of “family disease.” This is because it affects many more people than just the individual who is struggling. While the family is often the most affected, they also have the greatest opportunity to get their loved one the help they need. But, to do this, they must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of AUD. Just because someone appears to manage responsibilities while drinking does not mean they are safe from the dangers of alcohol addiction. If alcohol rehab cravings and withdrawal have become severe, it’s important to consult medical professionals. Alcohol withdrawal can produce a withdrawal effect known as delirium tremens that can prove life-threatening.

Inability to Stop or Cut Back on Drinking

An HFA is an alcoholic who is able to maintain his or her outside life, such as a job, home, family, and friendships, all while drinking alcoholically. HFAs have the same disease as the stereotypical “skid-row” alcoholic, but it manifests or progresses differently. While some people struggling may show very noticeable signs, others will be able to cover it up more easily.

Long-Term Support and Relapse Prevention

• You may see someone with a drinking problem, but still working, maintaining relationships, keeping up their physical appearance, and able to socialize without noticeable effects.
• Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.
• An intervention is a carefully planned event in consultation with a doctor or addiction counselor.
• Because high-functioning alcoholics can “manage” their everyday lives, the misconception is that they are somehow immune to alcohol’s negative effects.

Signs of a functioning alcoholic can include rationalizing their drinking, consuming alcohol alone, or socializing primarily in drinking environments. A functioning alcoholic is defined as an individual who grapples with alcohol use disorder (AUD) but still manages to uphold their responsibilities. This includes maintaining jobs, nurturing family relationships, and fulfilling social obligations. On the surface, they may appear successful, hiding their struggles with alcohol from those around them. Recognizing the risks of high-functioning alcoholism is the first step toward meaningful change. If you are dealing with an alcoholic mother or another loved one struggling with alcohol use, understanding the impact of their drinking can help you take action.

Paying for Treatment

To the outside world, someone who is a high-functioning alcoholic often does not show many signs and symptoms of AUD. A high-functioning alcoholic is someone with Alcohol Use Disorder who manages to maintain their job and relationships, often hiding the severity of their drinking. Common signs include drinking to cope, high tolerance, denial, secret or solitary drinking, blackouts, planning life around alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

And there are drug addiction treatment other less obvious warning signals you can look for that indicate an alcohol use disorder. No matter your behavior, consistent heavy drinking raises your tolerance for alcohol. Over time, you’ll need to drink more to get the same buzz or effect.

Teen & Young Adult Treatment Tracks

• Ultimately, while functioning alcoholics manage their daily lives, the erosion of personal relationships and health can result in a decline in overall quality of life.
• Family obligations take a backseat, and social commitments become a burden.
• Statements like, “I only drink in social settings” or “I never drink at work” can be ways of minimizing the problem.
• Acknowledging the issue is often the hardest part, particularly when drinking has not yet resulted in catastrophic outcomes.

One prevalent belief is that high-functioning alcoholics do not have a real problem because they can maintain jobs and relationships. This viewpoint minimizes the complex nature of AUD, where dependency can go unnoticed despite a functional exterior. The accessibility of alcohol and its being widely accepted as a social lubricant contribute to its higher risk of being misused. Unfortunately, the consequences of alcoholism include severe health issues and even death. The World Health Organization reports that up to 2.6 million deaths annually are attributed to alcohol consumption. In the United States, excessive alcohol intake causes more than 170,000 deaths each year.

Can someone be an alcoholic and still have a successful life?

They might miss deadlines, forget important commitments or perform poorly in areas outside of work where their drinking is less concealed. Being addicted to alcohol robs people of living a fulfilling life and negatively impacts those around them. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, it’s imperative you get help through alcohol treatment in San Diego or wherever you’re located. High-functioning alcoholism can significantly impact an individual’s academic and professional life. Despite their ability to maintain outward appearances of success, the consistent consumption of alcohol can lead to decreased motivation and poorer performance.

• If you or someone you know is showing signs of high-functioning alcoholism, don’t wait for things to get worse.
• These individuals maintain their daily responsibilities and appear to be in control of their lives, all while battling a hidden addiction.
• HFAs have the same disease as the stereotypical “skid-row” alcoholic, but it manifests or progresses differently.
• Increased tolerance and dependency often mean that drinking will spiral out of control eventually, leading to severe consequences like job loss or legal trouble.
• Alcohol poses a unique challenge, making it hard to distinguish between moderate and problem drinking.
• Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease, and over time, it can worsen without treatment.

If you have an addiction to alcohol and are tired of its negative impacts on your life, contact a treatment provider today to explore your treatment options. The professional lives of high-functioning alcoholics are often challenging and stressful. This can become a vicious circle in which going out for drinks provides a temporary escape from stressors. People with high-functioning alcoholism may be managing their jobs, finances and relationships in their daily life, but alcohol use is still causing physical and emotional harm.

The Importance of Life Skills Training in Recovery

It affects everyone differently, so some people may experience a heightened mental state while others may experience emotional numbness or a depressive mental state. High-functioning alcoholics may be able mask these changes at first, but it gets harder as time goes on. If you know a high-functioning alcoholic, you have the power to make a difference.