Due to the lack of obvious crises in their lives, it can be hard to recognize a high-functioning alcoholic as an outsider. In fact, this is the biggest difference between high-functioning alcoholism and normal alcoholism. With normal alcoholism, there is a clear loss of control when it comes to alcohol consumption that’s not found in high-functioning alcoholism. Over time, alcoholism can take a serious toll on someone’s health and quality of life. Although it’s important to recognize the early signs of AUD, it’s never too late to seek help and start a journey towards recovery. No matter your behavior, consistent heavy drinking raises your tolerance for alcohol.
- One sign that someone may have alcohol use disorder is that they consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
- Self-help organizations, church groups, and 12-step programs like Al-Anon and Alateen offer advice, hope and encouragement to people involved with functioning alcoholics.
- As someone drinks regularly, they will need to consume higher amounts to achieve the same effects.
Do I need detox before addiction treatment?
Regularly finishing a bottle of wine Sobriety after opening it is a sign of high-functioning alcoholism and also increases your alcohol tolerance, leading to a cycle of dependence. Signs of alcoholism vary, but consistently using drinking as a coping mechanism is a universal red flag. However, it’s worrisome when alcohol is used to handle stress, lift spirits, or soothe anxiety.
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- These people have jobs, active social lives, or happy families at home.
- Unfortunately, high-functioning alcoholism, as a secret or undiagnosed disorder, can be more dangerous than obvious, debilitating alcoholism.
- Seek specialized help and let professionals guide you in your recovery.
After all, they have managed to maintain the appearance of success despite their addiction. But most high-functioning alcoholics have friends or loved ones who help them cover up the consequences of their drinking. These individuals may unconsciously encourage or enable the alcoholic’s behavior by allowing the alcoholic to avoid the negative consequences of destructive drinking. “High-functioning alcoholic” is not a formal clinical diagnosis found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Instead, it is a colloquial term used to describe someone who meets the criteria for an alcohol use disorder yet still manages to keep up https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-alcoholism-is-considered-a-chronic-disease/ appearances.
Treatment Can Be Life Changing
These individuals often consume alcohol in quantities that exceed the recommended limits but manage to hide their dependence due to their ability to function effectively in day-to-day activities. More recently, a 2020 study found that people who used alcohol to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to drink alone and drink to excessive amounts. Researchers cited further risk factors, such as having a child under 18 and at home, having depression, and having fewer social interactions due to the pandemic. People who are concerned about their drinking habits, and those who are showing signs of an AUD, may wish to reach out for help and support. According to the NIAAA, the majority of people with an AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. For people with functioning AUD, seeking treatment as an outpatient may help them reduce disruptions to their work or family life.
Even if you don’t struggle with AUD, drinking alcohol has physical and mental health risks. The more you drink, the greater your chances of developing a physical or mental health problem. However, these individuals still have to deal with the effects of alcohol abuse, high functioning alcoholic including mental and physical health problems. While many assume it is easy to spot someone struggling with an alcohol problem, that is not always the case. Some people who have alcohol use disorder are what are known as high-functioning alcoholics. While they have an AUD, they can usually go about their lives without their alcohol consumption having a noticeable negative impact.
Risk Factors of High-Functioning Alcoholism
A high-functioning alcoholic often does such a good job of hiding their issues that other people don’t know the issues exist. Functional alcoholics may not even realize they’re actively concealing symptoms of their disorder. Depending on the severity of someone’s dependency on alcohol, they may also require inpatient or outpatient treatments. These treatments help high-functioning alcoholics better understand their alcohol dependency while providing a healthy environment for managing their withdrawals and cravings.
Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism
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. My understanding of HFAs is also from a personal perspective—I have been in recovery from alcoholism for almost five years.
