People with functional alcoholism can maintain jobs, meet social commitments and have relationships. However, they also engage in excessive alcohol consumption that places them at risk for negative outcomes. Unfortunately, high-functioning alcoholism, as a secret or undiagnosed disorder, can be more dangerous than obvious, debilitating alcoholism. This is because high-functioning alcoholics are often in denial about their addiction, so they are less likely to seek treatment. Since they’re not stereotypical alcoholics, they do not know or they will not admit that they have a serious problem with alcohol.

Behavioral and Physical Symptoms

• High-functioning alcoholism is defined by the alcohol’s ability to work or function normally.
• These functional alcoholism groups can provide support and guidance to sustainably navigate everyday life without the use of alcohol.
• Finally, be willing to admit that you have a problem and firmly resolve to make a change in your life.
• Many of the effects of drinking every day can be reversed through early intervention.
• In addition, since the impact of AUD may not be as obvious, the person may be unable to recognize the severity of their condition in these early stages.
• The thing with functional alcoholism is that both parties in the relationship are hooked on it, just not in the same way.

A high-functioning alcoholic may hide their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major losses. Under the surface, this form of alcoholism can cause severe psychological and emotional damage to the alcoholic and also their loved ones.. Unconcerned about the effects of his or her continued drinking on others, the high-functioning alcoholic engages in increasingly risky functional alcoholic husband behavior. Drinking to excess on a somewhat constant basis also increases the frequency, duration and severity of blackouts. Discovery Point Retreat is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about treatment for yourself or a loved one. The alcohol rehab center is located in Dallas, TX, and offers a wide array of therapy types perfectly tailored to fit your needs.

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These people appear successful and healthy despite a possible underlying alcohol use disorder. These tests are provided by a healthcare professional and go in depth about your relationship with alcohol. The test helps give your doctor an idea of what treatment is best for you.

Health Problems Related To Drinking Alcohol

The Recovery Village Indianapolis offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Recovery from high functioning alcoholism can be a lifelong process; hence, aftercare services are essential to treatment. These services include continued access to therapy and support groups to help you maintain and remember whatever you have learned during formal treatment. Additionally, aftercare aims to help to recover alcoholics and prevent relapses by reducing cravings. Additionally, do not be afraid to seek professional treatment when you feel like your problem is getting out of hand. A healthcare professional can assess the severity of your symptoms and offer the most appropriate next steps.

With high-functioning alcoholics, the fact they don’t see obvious consequences for their actions can help them justify drinking alcohol. Millions of Americans can drink socially without encountering too many negative consequences, other than the occasional hangover and acting like a fool on the rare occasions they imbibe too much. Some, however, consider drinking so much a part of their life that they automatically think of ordering a drink when in a social situation or unwinding after a day at work or school. While they haven’t crossed the line into full-scale alcohol addiction, they may be well on their way. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can impact short- and long-term physical and mental health. Getting help early on can reduce the risk of developing alcohol addiction.

Take photos as evidence so you can use these later when confronting the high-functioning alcoholic and encourage a treatment program, possibly during a formal intervention. Yet, this is exactly the definition of someone who is a high-functioning alcoholic. Outwardly, he or she appears to have everything under control and not appear to be addicted to alcohol. On the contrary, it is only a matter of time before the cumulative effects of excessive drinking exact a tremendous toll. Signs of functional alcoholism may be easy to explain away or ignore, allowing this substance use disorder to further impact physical or mental health. The longer it persists, the more convinced you may be that there isn’t a problem at all.

• Experts have noticed various trends in such people, such as most of them are usually the ones who started drinking alcohol in their late teenage years but did not fully become addicted until their late 30s.
• Choices for treatment to overcome alcoholism include alcohol treatment centers that are either inpatient or residential rehab centers or outpatient treatment facilities5.
• When you’re ready to seek help, or if you have questions about how to live with an alcoholic, we’re here for you.
• Even though they may want to stop, many functioning alcoholics often won’t know where or how to begin the process.
• However, many people still believe they are “functioning” because they are able to get up and go to work.

What Percentage of Alcoholics are Functioning or High Functioning Alcoholics?

Getting Help As a Functional Alcoholic