Some people struggle visibly with alcohol dependency, while others may appear to keep it all together and lead seemingly normal lives despite their addiction. In this blog, we define what it means to be a high-functioning alcoholic, exploring signs and symptoms. If you know a high-functioning alcoholic, you have the power to make a difference. The best way for someone to help a high-functioning alcoholic is to have a forthright conversation with them about their addiction.

Negative Consequences

Living with high-functioning alcoholism can create devastating effects on one’s professional and personal life. Taking that initial step of seeking help can pave the way to lasting recovery. Sm is a complex condition that manifests differently from individual to individual.

• People who live fully functional lives can still have AUD and can benefit from treatment and support.
• Other people with alcoholism may find themselves in financial difficulty, or maybe they’re experiencing relationship problems.
• When at home, the functioning drinker can drink alcohol knowing that work and other commitments are not affected.
• Denial is such that the individual tries to believe there is no serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Risks Associated with High-Functioning Alcoholism

While the term “alcoholic” was used in the past but is now viewed as outdated and stigmatizing. Today, healthcare professionals would say that a person has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Whereas, non-functional drinkers prioritise alcohol over their appearance regardless of social setting. Non-functional alcohol users have a fear of withdrawal symptoms that causes constant drinking 8. In some cases, friends and family secretly assume responsibilities outside the functional drinker’s knowledge, to allow both themselves and the drinker to continue denying problematic drinking behaviour. High-functioning alcoholism is still alcoholism, and the best way to successfully overcome it is early intervention, treatment and sustained recovery.

Advanced Addiction Center

You can also opt for more intensive inpatient programs if the alcohol problem is more deep-seated and harder to manage on your own. Their representatives will discuss whether their facility may be an option for you. These calls are offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment.

Individualized Treatment

Even if a high-functioning alcoholic never suffers any legal or professional consequences from alcohol abuse, their body will still suffer. Long-term, chronic drinking damages a person’s brain, heart, liver, and other vital organs. High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease. They may use alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, and other uncomfortable emotions, leading to a cycle of dependence. High-functioning alcoholics may also experience blackouts or memory lapses, and their addiction can cause severe psychological and emotional damage to themselves and their loved ones. High-functioning alcoholics may exhibit signs of alcohol dependence but still manage to fulfill their professional and personal responsibilities.

• Long-term, chronic drinking damages a person’s brain, heart, liver, and other vital organs.
• In contrast, functional drinkers have a lower level of physical dependence and are less likely to experience withdrawals.
• Functioning drinkers will rarely appear to be drunk, and will be conscious about their appearance on social occasions.
• With the right resources, support, and commitment to recovery, individuals can overcome functional alcoholism and build a healthier, more fulfilling life free from the grip of addiction.
• This can make it challenging for them and those around them to acknowledge the existence of a problem.
• It can also lead to relationship issues, a decline in mental well-being, and increased stress and anxiety from maintaining a double life.

Therapy, alcohol rehab, and support groups can provide the necessary assistance. Friends and family may not high-functioning alcoholic wikipedia notice the problem immediately, but over time, the impact becomes evident. Addressing these issues early is crucial for maintaining healthy and supportive relationships. A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who suffers from alcohol dependency or addiction but can still maintain their daily responsibilities.

If the dependencies that the functioning alcohol abuse sufferer has put in place are taken away, the user’s drinking is likely to escalate into non-functioning drinking 12. Functional drinkers can compartmentalise their lives, presenting a different personality at work than when drinking 11. This contrasts with a non-functioning drinker, who will continue to drink more to avoid physical withdrawal.

High-functioning alcoholics crave alcohol, develop tolerance to it over time, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. High-functioning alcoholics drink because they “need to drink,” not always because they want to drink. The accessibility of alcohol and its being widely accepted as a social lubricant contribute to its higher risk of being misused. Unfortunately, the consequences of alcoholism include severe health issues and even death. The World Health Organization reports that up to 2.6 million deaths annually are attributed to alcohol consumption. In the United States, excessive alcohol intake causes more than 170,000 deaths each year.

High-Functioning Alcoholics And Denial

In contrast, alcohol use disorder is a medical diagnosis defined by a range of symptoms, including an inability to control drinking, cravings, and negative impacts on health and relationships. High-functioning alcoholism is essentially a subset of AUD where the outward signs are less noticeable. High-functioning alcoholism refers to individuals who maintain a facade of normalcy, excelling in their careers and personal lives while struggling with significant alcohol use issues. Unlike traditional alcoholics, these individuals often appear in control and do not fit the stereotypical image of an alcoholic. Recognizing high-functioning alcoholism is crucial as it can lead to severe consequences if left unaddressed.

But that doesn’t mean it’s too late for them to recover and begin a fresh start. So, if you are reading this, know that it is never too late to change, and right now, you are deserving of a healthier way of life – physically, mentally, and emotionally. High-functioning alcoholics often have a hard time acknowledging their drinking as an issue. Some may try to justify or downplay their alcohol consumption, not just to others but even to themselves. People with high-functioning alcoholism can only keep up the facade for so long. Their symptoms can gradually worsen over time, eventually impacting both their personal and professional life.

Regrettably, in many cases, other people in their lives affirm their denial by agreeing with their excuses and encouraging them to drink more. Spouses and family members of high-functioning alcoholics sometimes makes excuses for them as well and continue to keep alcohol at home. However, despite this facade of normalcy, high-functioning alcoholism can have severe consequences over time, impacting physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Alcoholism isn’t always easy to identify, especially when it comes to high-functioning alcoholics. These individuals often maintain a semblance of normalcy, excelling in their professional and personal lives while secretly battling an addiction.