High-functioning alcoholics don’t tend to show signs of an AUD on the surface, making it difficult for loved ones to see that they have a problem and offer help. Medical professionals now use alcohol use disorder (AUD) as an umbrella term to describe all alcohol-related issues, including high-functioning alcoholism. “High-functioning alcoholic” high functioning alcoholic is a term used to describe someone suffering from alcohol dependency or addiction but still able to function relatively normally. Over time, the body becomes increasingly tolerant of alcohol, which means they need to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects. This can lead to binge drinking, blackouts, and other risky behaviors.
- Researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism developed five types of alcoholics.
- Moderate drinking throughout the day is a sign that a person is trying to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
- Loss of control is shown when an individual does not have the option of taking it or leaving it but feels as though they need to have a drink.
- A person who drinks excessively, whether or not they monitor it, is doing damage to their physical body.
- The signs and symptoms listed above should be a good indicator of high-functioning alcoholism.
Diseases like addiction tend to be highly personal, and every person’s trajectory, triggers, and prognosis will be different. The symptoms and side effects of the disorder will also differ for each person, and researchers categorize alcoholics into five distinct subtypes. Family members of functional alcoholics need to be careful not to become codependent on their loved one.
Coping With a Functional Alcoholic
Every person who loves someone with an addiction has to choose whether to help the person or to distance themselves from the person. Distancing yourself can seem selfish, but you have to look out for your own well-being before you can help someone else. Alcohol addiction tends to progress over time, and also often runs in families. Through CBT, those in recovery can also learn healthier ways to deal with possible triggers and cravings moving forward.
Or they may remain sober throughout the day but binge drink at night or on weekends. 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. There is a difference between someone who suffers from high-functioning alcoholism and someone who simply enjoys drinking alcohol.
What are Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction?
For example, an alcoholic who is high functioning may never get fired for coming to work impaired. They may never experience a DUI arrest or have a fight with their significant other over their alcohol use. They might also be able to maintain good health for decades before the consequences of alcohol abuse show up when they are older. A functional, or working alcoholic might drink throughout the day, and never get so drunk that they can’t perform their regular duties. Moderate drinking throughout the day is a sign that a person is trying to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Another sign of a functioning alcoholic is someone who may abstain from drinking throughout the week, but then binge drink on the weekends or binge drink at night after their work is done.
- Functional alcoholics are often intelligent, hardworking and well-educated.
- They may take steps to avoid the person while they are drinking, or they may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame.
- Although they may appear to be healthy and functional, without treatment, their condition could get worse.
- We receive advertising fees from purchases through the BetterHelp links below.
- A doctor can check a person’s drinking levels and recommend further treatment options.
The alcoholic is then presented with a plan of care, including a proposal of consequences if they decide to refuse. For instance, the alcoholic may be denied visitation rights or may be faced https://ecosoberhouse.com/ with a marital separation if he decides not to seek help. An alcoholic in denial may become extremely manipulative, tearful, angry or hostile when faced with the need for alcohol treatment.