It has been suggested that about half of alcoholics are high-functioning. But do you know how to recognize a high-functioning alcoholic? These people maintain careers, raise a family, and have plenty of friends while struggling with alcohol addiction.
Many high-functioning alcoholics deny having a problem with alcohol abuse—and their loved ones may even agree. This denial is common, particularly when binge drinking is involved. Many people mistakenly believe alcoholics drink daily, but binge drinking is more common among women. Call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from Promises Behavioral Health about spotting signs of a high-functioning alcoholic and our alcohol rehab for professionals available throughout the United States.
How to Recognize a High-Functioning Alcoholic
It can be tough to identify someone as needing treatment for alcohol dependence if that person is a professional holding a high-level career and is not financially impacted by their abusive drinking. These people are very adept at disguising abusive drinking, and because the outer trappings of their lives indicate success, they tend to have strong denial about the problem.
High-functioning alcoholics can go years and even decades without being confronted. However, as time goes on, most will incur some consequences, such as:
- An angry spouse or a failed marriage blamed on “other problems”
- A driving under the influence (DUI) violation or other legal troubles
- Erratic behavior at business events
Often, until some major event occurs related to their addiction, they and those around them do not address the behavior. It’s essential to recognize that being an alcoholic does not equate with being a failure in life. Many successful people are alcoholics, and many defy the stereotypical characterization of alcoholics.
High-functioning alcoholics, in essence, lead two lives: the public one where they are doctors, lawyers, or entrepreneurs, and the private one where they drink far more than the normal so, social drinker.
Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic
If you suspect someone who works with you or lives with you is a high-functioning alcoholic, you must add all the pieces to see the whole picture. Here are some things you may notice when spending time with a functional alcoholic:
- They have three drinks to everyone else’s one
- They have physical symptoms of overindulgence—such as stomach problems, insomnia, and shakiness in the morning
- They have binge periods when they get extremely drunk
- They say they are only going to have one or two drinks but end up drinking far more
- Their behavior changes dramatically when they drink
- They don’t remember things they did or said while drinking
- They seem to plan their day around getting a drink
- They go through periods of abstinence where they make a point of not drinking, during which they may be anxious or irritable
- They wake up with a hangover
The truth is, even if someone can disguise their alcoholic drinking, they still put themselves and others at risk when they abuse alcohol. There are stories of surgeons with shaky hands in surgery, mothers who pick up children for a school carpool after a few glasses of wine, and pilots who fly a planeload of people while nursing a hangover. There is no shame in admitting you cannot manage your alcohol intake. The shame comes when it finally catches up with you—and it will—in a way that could be tragic for you and those who depend on you.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment with Promises Behavioral Health
Finding quality help for alcohol addiction can be challenging. With Promises Behavioral Health, you can learn how to recognize a high functioning alcoholic and how to address the problem with alcohol addiction treatment. Get the help that you or your loved one needs by contacting Promises today at 844.875.5609.