What Is High Functioning Alcoholism? Stigma, Signs, Support

Although a person with high-functioning alcoholism may appear fine, they are not. Sometimes, only the people close to them will notice their problematic drinking patterns. Because of this appearance, their problem doesn’t seem as severe as other types of alcoholism. 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.

Why Many Don’t Recognize Their Alcohol Abuse

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. Organizations such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine can guide you to help, too. The refusal to abstain can become more apparent in certain situations.

• People who drink heavily for years on end increase their risk of developing certain cancers and liver disease.
• By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.
• A person with a tolerance may need to drink more to get whatever their desired effects are.
• Detoxing at a treatment facility means you’ll be under supervision while all traces of alcohol leave your system.

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Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also includes binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. If you want to help a high-functioning alcoholic in your life get on a path to a safer, healthier, happier existence, there are some ways you can offer your support. Loved ones or coworkers may have raised their eyebrows at your drinking habits enough that you begin to hide how much you’re drinking. When asked how many drinks you’ve had, you’ll lower the number, or you may drink a few alcoholic beverages around people but consume much more in private. Alcohol dependence, regardless of outward functionality, can cause serious health problems.

The Psychological Effects Of Alcoholism And Mental Health

If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. high functioning alcoholic Go to a support group for people who love alcoholics, like Al-Anon, or speak to a mental health professional. Getting support can ensure you stay healthy and safe while you do your best to encourage your struggling loved one toward recovery.

• “Mental health care is critical for achieving long-term success in overcoming AUD,” says Elhaj.
• If you find yourself defending your drinking a lot, it’s time to take a closer look at your substance use.
• They might also isolate themselves from other people to spend time drinking alone.
• Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober.
• From here, there are many things you can do to help get you on a path to recovery.

It can lead to liver disease, pancreatitis, some forms of cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and high blood pressure. It also makes someone more likely to die in a car wreck or from murder or suicide. And any alcohol abuse raises the odds of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Signs Of A High-Functioning Alcoholic

They know they have a problem at a subconscious level, but they aren’t ready to face it. With high-functioning alcoholics, the fact they don’t see obvious consequences for their actions can help them justify drinking 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.

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A diagnosis is based on how many symptoms you experience over the past 12 months, with 11 total criteria. When they know other people are going to be around, high-functioning alcoholics may sneak a drink early, drink before going out to the bar or club, or drink alone. This hidden drinking and secretive lifestyle is a huge red flag when it comes to alcoholism and shouldn’t be ignored. The most in-depth care allows you to live full time at a treatment facility.

What To Do When Alcoholism Is Suspected in a Loved One