If any of the factors below are familiar with you or someone you love, you might be at higher risk of becoming a functioning alcoholic. Join our expert psychiatrist, Priory’s Dr Renju Joseph, as he discusses the key signs and symptoms of alcoholism — informed by years of experience treating people with addiction issues. While a high-functioning alcoholic may seem to have their life together on the surface, they are often preoccupied with thoughts of alcohol. They may spend a significant amount of time planning their drinking, looking forward to their next drink, or finding opportunities to drink in isolation. This obsession with alcohol can lead to a constant undercurrent of anxiety and restlessness, which they try to alleviate through drinking. At work meetings, they are the picture of professionalism – sharp, focused, and articulate.
How does a doctor diagnose AUD?
- Compassionate, effective care and support are available at The Living Room.
- Join our expert psychiatrist, Priory’s Dr Renju Joseph, as he discusses the key signs and symptoms of alcoholism — informed by years of experience treating people with addiction issues.
- There are treatment options for people dealing with any level of an alcohol use disorder, whether it is mild, moderate or severe.
Individuals receive treatment through medications, therapy, support groups, or a combination of the three. A high-functioning alcoholic can go about daily life and take care of their obligations (like work or school) primarily undetected. “High-functioning alcoholic” is a term used to describe someone suffering from alcohol dependency or addiction but still able to function relatively normally.
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High-functioning alcoholics are at risk for many health problems including liver disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and an overall weakened immune function. Over time, these health problems can escalate into life-threatening conditions. Recognizing the early warning signs of relapse in a high-functioning alcoholic is crucial for timely intervention. Frequent mood swings, increased secrecy about drinking habits, and a reliance on alcohol to cope with Alcoholics Anonymous stress are key indicators.
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A high functioning alcoholic is an informal term that refers to someone who appears to maintain a successful professional and personal life while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Drinking is often covert, and the person may deny they have any issue with their drinking. Many high-functioning alcoholics maintain careers, relationships, and daily responsibilities while struggling with alcohol dependency. Our treatment programs include therapy sessions that help individuals explore the root causes of alcohol dependence. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy sessions provide essential coping strategies. Therapy helps individuals develop healthier ways to manage stress and emotions without turning to alcohol.
A person who’s considered a “functional alcoholic” may outwardly seem like they have everything together, but they could be less apparently having problems controlling their drinking. Since alcoholism is a progressive disease and can worsen over time without treatment, early intervention is essential. Being able to recognize the warning signs of a functional alcohol use disorder can help you take the next steps toward treatment, or you might be able to help someone you love. A high-functioning alcoholic can exist in any social class, profession, or cultural background. They may be a spouse, a parent, a top-level executive, or a college student. Over time, these individuals risk a decline in mental and physical health as their body and relationships bear the weight of long-term alcohol misuse.
On the surface, these individuals seem to defy the traditional image of alcoholism. They might attend PTA meetings, excel in high-pressure jobs, or host impressive dinner parties—all while hiding an escalating dependency on alcohol. high functioning alcoholic Their ability to maintain appearances often prevents them and those around them from recognizing the severity of the issue.
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However, the façade of control and stability typically masks an underlying problem with alcohol that can be just as severe and damaging as more overt forms of alcoholism. In some cases, a high-functioning alcoholic is genetically wired to have a high tolerance for the effects of alcohol. They are able to consume higher amounts of alcohol without showing signs of inebriation. Other high-functioning alcoholics simply go to great lengths to hide their drinking problem from family members, friends, and coworkers.
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Drinking in the morning is called “eye-opener” drinking, and it’s a sure sign you have a problem with alcohol. Drinking first thing in the morning means you’re using alcohol to cope with alcohol withdrawal symptoms from the night before. This is a dangerous pattern of drinking, and it’s a major red flag for alcoholism. An alcohol use disorder or AUD is defined as a problematic pattern of alcohol use by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This can lead to significant distress or impairment, and it’s diagnosed as mild, moderate or severe depending on the number of symptoms a person experiences over the past 12 months.
- You may need to organize an intervention help the HFA in your life understand the dangers of his or her drinking habit.
- The face of the alcoholic needs to be changed and the walls of denial must be broken down in order that alcoholics everywhere can receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
- The challenge is that each sign can be masked by the individual’s overall capacity to fulfill responsibilities.
- Whether your loved one agrees or not, their actions affect you and you deserve outside support.
Signs and Symptoms:
At Align Recovery Centers, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help clients regain control of their lives. Despite maintaining an outward sense of control, many high-functioning alcoholics take dangerous risks, such as drinking and driving, showing up intoxicated to work, or making impaired decisions. These actions put their safety and the well-being of others at risk, even if they have not yet experienced significant consequences. Because they do not fit the stereotypical image of alcoholism, HFAs are often in denial about their condition, dismissing concerns by pointing to their ability to function. However, the absence of immediate consequences does not mean there is no problem—high-functioning alcoholism is still alcoholism, and without intervention, it can escalate into severe addiction. Recognizing the signs early is crucial for seeking the proper support and treatment.
Living with an Alcoholic and Avoiding Codependency
Over time, the brain adapts, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effects. This leads to tolerance, dependence, and addiction, making it difficult to stop drinking without withdrawal symptoms. In the meantime, you may want to consider joining a support group for loved ones of alcoholics.