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Additionally, individuals can opt into treatment programs that offer varying levels of care depending on the person’s unique needs. As one can see, alcohol abuse can come in many shapes and sizes, but in all cases can lead to a variety of problems. High-functioning alcoholism is still alcoholism, and high-functioning alcohol abuse is still alcohol abuse. Ultimately alcohol affects all individuals the same way regardless of sex, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. While high-functioning individuals and high-achievers may have a harder time detecting that a problem exists, there are always red flags and indicators along the way. In all cases the earlier a problem is detected and dealt with, the easier and faster it will be to treat.
Drinking before events, sneaking in shots, and keeping private bottles are all common behaviors. They might be very good at bifurcating their professional life and drinking time, avoiding visible drunkenness around coworkers, and picking their spots carefully. They crave the next drink, feeling it would improve their mood or need it to perform socially.
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This is understandable with any addiction – the substance takes center stage and other responsibilities become progressively harder to meet. 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. A functional alcoholic often consumes as much alcohol as someone with an alcohol use disorder. SUN Behavioral Health in Houston offers inpatient and outpatient alcohol addiction detox and treatment options. Determining the difference between alcohol addiction/misuse and social drinking isn’t always easy, because alcohol affects each person differently.
- John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
- The NIH has also found that nearly half of all high-functioning alcoholics are smokers.
- Under the surface, this form of alcoholism can cause severe psychological and emotional damage to the alcoholic and also their loved ones..
- Show your concern and suggest that you try to solve the problem together, but don’t allow them to make excuses or justify their drinking.
This hidden drinking and secretive lifestyle is a huge red flag when it comes to alcoholism and shouldn’t be ignored. A healthcare professional may also order blood tests to check the effects of alcohol on a person’s health, for example, their liver, and start the appropriate treatments. Besides high functioning alcoholic the reliance on alcohol, there’s the need to keep up appearances. This can take an increasing toll on every aspect of the person’s life, including their relationships. Research into functional addictions is lacking, mainly because people in this position are far less likely to seek treatment.
Seems to have a split personality
Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Express an openness to talk about their drinking, provide support and establish boundaries. Make it clear to him that you will not support their drinking or unhealthy behaviors, and you will not share in the consequences. Peer pressure and easy availability of alcohol can increase the risk of developing an AUD. Negative life experiences, such as grief, abuse, or living in poverty, can also increase the odds. Loved ones or coworkers may have raised their eyebrows at your drinking habits enough that you begin to hide how much you’re drinking.
A high-functioning alcoholic is a person with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) who manages to maintain a career and relationships in their personal life. Their ability to mask their alcohol use can be quite deceptive to people in their lives who may not realize the extent of their daily drinking. They may possess multiple symptoms of an AUD, such as strong urges to drink, high tolerance, and drinking despite its negative health consequences.
Signs & Symptoms Of A High-Functioning Alcoholic
Nausea or vomiting, increased agitation, and disorientation can occur, too. A person experiencing withdrawal from alcohol may also experience delusions and seizures. Symptoms generally appear within 4 hours after a last drink and peak between hours. While more often, symptoms will end within a week, there’s a chance you could experience some withdrawal symptoms for several weeks. In reality, a high-functioning alcoholic may be experiencing a great deal of stress while they maintain their drinking and all the dressings of a socially accepted lifestyle. So the appearance of functioning may be carefully manufactured to keep their alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) unchecked and unaddressed.