What is a High Functioning Alcoholic? Definition & Signs

However, once they do, they can turn into chronic and life-altering health issues. As alcohol use increases, high-functioning alcoholics may begin to cancel appointments or other engagements in an effort to hide hangovers, withdrawal symptoms, and other indications of addiction. For the functional alcoholic, the denial runs deep, because they have yet to encounter significant negative consequences.

High-functioning alcoholics can benefit from having an at-home support system before, during and after any form of treatment for their addiction. There are hundreds of resources all over the country designed to address the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction. American Addiction Centers offers a range of treatment services in facilities across the country to help treat alcohol use disorders. With our help, patients don’t only appear to function normally, but feel and experience life to its greatest potential as a sober and recovering individual. Regardless of whether the person can function in some aspects of life, alcoholism is a serious disease.

High-Functioning Alcoholic: Confronting Your Problem

Due to some people’s ability to mask their AUD, it is difficult to find research on those that are high functioning. The National Institute of Health suggests that loved ones should start by talking about their concerns. Instead, voice your concerns, share how their drinking is affecting others, and suggest ways that you can help them talk to a doctor or join a support group. If you are concerned about your loved one’s drinking, it can be helpful to join a support group such as Al-Anon. Such groups can offer valuable support, encouragement, advice, and information.

• According to a government survey, about 20% of alcoholics in America are high-functioning alcoholics.
• Learning more about high-functioning alcoholism is the first step in understanding how to help you or your loved one.
• The best way for someone to help a high-functioning alcoholic is to have a forthright conversation with them about their addiction.

Some alcoholics may be highly functional at work, in school or in social situations, but the negative effects of the disease will eventually show up somewhere. The mental and physical effects of diagnosable alcoholism can still apply to those with functioning alcoholism. Symptoms of excessive drinking, such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and other health concerns, can all become issues. The reality of what an addiction to alcohol looks like in terms of outward appearances varies for different individuals. While some alcoholics rapidly spiral out of control and experience visible turmoil in their lives early on, high-functioning alcoholics tend to keep their problems well-hidden. High-functioning (or perhaps more accurately, currently functioning) alcoholics defy the usual stereotypes that people have of those caught in the grip of addiction.

What Are the Signs That an Alcoholic Is No Longer Functioning?

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. If you give permission, they may speak to your family or loved ones regarding how much you drink. There is research showing that about 19.5 percent of people with AUD are middle-aged, well-educated, and have stable jobs, homes, and families. This could include people with high-functioning AUD, but these criteria are not definitive characteristics.

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• Negative life experiences, such as grief, abuse, or living in poverty, can also increase the odds.
• One of the main reasons that people who misuse alcohol seek help is the eventual negative consequences of their alcohol consumption.
• High-functioning alcoholism is a term used to describe individuals who struggle with alcoholism but can maintain a certain level of functionality in their personal and professional lives.

You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-a-high-functioning-alcoholic/ if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition.

What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

High-functioning alcoholics need treatment just like other alcoholics do. Also referred to as functional alcoholics, these people usually don’t realize that they rely on alcohol to feel normal. They don’t experience the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ typical consequences of alcoholism, such as drunk driving arrests, financial problems or blackout episodes. Family members of functional alcoholics need to be careful not to become codependent on their loved one.

An alcohol abuse problem can include binge drinking, having negative consequences such as hangovers with your drinking but continuing anyway, and drinking despite the desire to stop. Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous – and even kill you – make sure you have medical advice from your doctor or a rehab facility when you decide to stop drinking. If you think someone you love falls into the category of a functioning alcoholic, there are ways you can help them address their drinking.

Am I a High-Functioning Alcoholic? Signs & Symptoms

The test helps give your doctor an idea of what treatment is best for you. The signs and symptoms listed above should be a good indicator of high-functioning alcoholism. A high-functioning alcoholic will usually appear healthy despite consuming large amounts of alcohol. People who live fully functional lives can still have AUD and can benefit from treatment and support. The condition causes changes in the brain that decrease the ability to quit on your own.

The person may offer excuses or attempt to explain away their addiction, but stay firm and offer to help the person start treatment. If possible, get other family member and friends involved and stage an intervention. According to a government survey, about 20% of alcoholics in America are high-functioning alcoholics. They take care of their families, always pay their bills, and avoid trouble with the law.

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. 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. This means the negative impact on your life will likely grow, and the condition will not get better on its own without treatment. However, there are individuals that meet the criteria for AUD but do not experience these impacts.