Functional drinkers justify drinking by rationalising that there have been no negative ramifications from alcohol use. To the left of you, you have a person whose physical appearance is dishevelled, they slur their words and stagger when they walk, and you can smell a whiff of vodka from their clothes. To the right of you, you have a person who is well groomed, speaks clearly and walks in a straight line. The two strangers are entirely different, yet both have one thing in common; they are craving their next alcoholic drink. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery.
Make A Decision That Will Change Your Life
Conversely, non-functional drinkers have allowed alcohol to disrupt all areas of their lives and affect work performance (e.g. lateness, presenteeism, accidents with heavy machinery, etc). Non-functioning drinkers prioritise alcohol over everything else in life and disregard the consequences that come from this. The functional drinker will try to avoid negative consequences by drinking only enough to avoid withdrawal, and high-functioning alcoholic wikipedia continue with work 6. Functional alcoholism is drinking to levels that classify as problematic alcohol abuse, while maintaining function 1.
Seeking Help and Treatment for High-Functioning Alcoholism
We combine our education and expertise with our empathy to provide the highest quality addiction treatment in this region. Their bodies have adapted to the regular intake of alcohol, requiring more and more to achieve the same effects. While this might seem like an advantage, it’s actually detrimental to one’s health. As alcoholism progresses and increases control over someone’s life, the first significant area to suffer is that of recreational interests, participation in which decreases and often stops completely. Engagement with such support networks not only fosters accountability but also provides emotional sustenance essential for long-term recovery. The National Institute of Health suggests that loved ones should start by talking about their concerns.
Get Professional Alcoholism Treatment
Despite their ability to maintain outward appearances of success, the consistent consumption of alcohol can lead to decreased motivation and poorer performance. Moreover, these personality changes can contribute to mood swings, further complicating their relationships and professional life. Therefore, noticing these changes can be a crucial step in identifying high-functioning alcoholism. Despite their outward success, they may be dealing with inner turmoil or challenging circumstances, turning to alcohol for temporary relief. Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible, even for high-functioning alcoholics.
How does a doctor diagnose AUD?
Usually, it is only when their continued drinking becomes more painful than the prospect of going through the pain of alcohol withdrawal, will they finally reach out for help. Since people with high-functioning AUD can be on the milder spectrum of the condition, the earlier treatment happens, the more it may be possible to avoid a progression. Your doctor may also conduct imaging tests if other laboratory studies come back abnormal. For example, a computed tomography (CT) scan tests for liver enlargement, which can occur after years of chronic drinking. Your doctor may order this test if your blood tests indicate abnormal liver functioning. A doctor may also diagnose AUD by asking about your health history and drinking patterns.
They may have successful careers, perform the expected tasks of daily life, and maintain stable relationships. They often have a high tolerance for alcohol and can consume large amounts without appearing intoxicated, which can make it difficult for others to recognize their addiction. The success and functionality of high-functioning alcoholics can obscure the negative consequences of their drinking.
- Discover affordable rehab centers near you, offering easy access and convenience.
- Therefore, noticing these changes can be a crucial step in identifying high-functioning alcoholism.
- There is a difference between someone who suffers from high-functioning alcoholism and someone who simply enjoys drinking alcohol.
- However, despite their outward appearance of functioning well, HFAs may face severe health problems, relationship issues, and mental health decline over time.
Signs of high-functioning alcoholism
However, behind this facade of success lies a hidden struggle with alcohol abuse, which they may go to great lengths to conceal. Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Increasing difficulty and conflict in family and social relationships is common as the person’s mood and thought process become more erratic and influenced by their addiction. As a result, their follow-through on responsibilities and commitments becomes less reliable. Multiple areas of a high-functioning alcoholic’s life are greatly affected by the addiction. High-functioning alcoholics may begin to show up for work with a headache, digestive issues, other illness, unusual grumpiness, or appear “worse-for-wear,” especially on Monday mornings.
- The professional lives of high-functioning alcoholics are often challenging and stressful.
- If you or a loved one is struggling with high-functioning alcoholism, reaching out for alcohol abuse help can make a significant difference in your path to recovery.
- They often have a high tolerance for alcohol and can consume large amounts without appearing intoxicated, which can make it difficult for others to recognize their addiction.
- This could include people with high-functioning AUD, but these criteria are not definitive characteristics.
- Another major sign that someone is a high-functioning alcoholic is the fact that alcohol is an important part of their life.
Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) create a space for individuals to share experiences, learn from others, and stay accountable in their recovery journey. Harriet Garfoot BA, MA has an Undergraduate degree in Education Studies and English, and a Master’s degree in English Literature, from Bishop Grosseteste University. Harriet writes on stress & mental health, and is a member of the Burney Society.
Calls to any general helpline will be received by The Healing Place, a paid advertiser. These services can significantly improve health and well-being, breaking the cycle of addiction. Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC offers comprehensive, professional help for those battling alcoholism. An individual who is suffering from addiction is more likely to socialize with others who drink and attend social events where drinking is encouraged (i.e., at bars, clubs, or cocktail parties). Our team at Advanced Addiction Center is dedicated to setting the bar for quality treatment right here in Medford, Massachusetts. We create customized treatment plans and provide ongoing support every step of the way.
This is why psychological counseling, such as talk therapy, is important if you’re recovering from AUD. This can help you learn new coping skills so you can turn to other behaviors instead of drinking in order to live a healthier life. For some people, AUD may also mean more than physical dependence, but a stress reliever or source of psychological escape. Although you might not hit all the criteria for the condition, and the impact on your life may appear minimal, AUD is a chronic and progressive condition.
In addition to the health effects of having an alcohol use disorder, it can also take a toll on relationships. Drinking doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the entire family unit. Chronic heavy drinkers can display a functional tolerance to the point they show few obvious signs of intoxication even at high blood alcohol concentrations, which in others would be incapacitating. Alcohol use is deeply embedded in many cultures, and moderate consumption is often socially acceptable or even encouraged. However, stigma surrounds alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related cognitive impairment, complicating public health messaging. Whereas, functioning drinkers utilise alcohol to switch off and sleep without worry, then deal with the causes of emotions the next day 13.