What is a Functioning Alcoholic? Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Stop offering excuses for their behaviors to a boss or coworker, and stop cleaning up their vomit or tucking them into the couch at night when they blackout. They are likely to spend a lot of time thinking about the next time they will drink, but it just may not be overt or shared with those around them. Drinking rarely causes them to miss work and other obligations (although it does happen occasionally).

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If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. Alcohol is one of the top causes of disease and death worldwide, high functioning alcoholic USA Today warns, killing close to 3 million people every year. The most well-known support group is Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are many other 12-step programs. The incredibly important first step is to recognize your need for help and move past denial.

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They may lie about how many drinks they had and become defensive when you say they have a drinking problem. If you suggest they see a mental health professional or get professional treatment advice, they’ll get angry or avoid the conversation entirely. The reason people with alcohol use disorders conceal how much they drink is that they feel guilty or bad about it.

What is a high functioning alcoholic?

These setups can also work along with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Relating to other people with substance abuse issues may help someone break through denial and begin to recover. A “functional alcoholic” (or “high-functioning alcoholic”) isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but a term used colloquially to describe a person who is dependent upon alcohol but can still function in society. The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely. The term high functioning alcoholic is no longer in use in the medical community. However, some people may use the phrase to refer to individuals who are experiencing an AUD but are still able to successfully function in their work and personal lives.

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. One of the hallmarks of addiction is a person’s fear of not being able to consume whatever their drug of choice is. Until you check into rehab, avoid bars, liquor stores, and other places where alcohol and drinking abound. Finally, be willing to admit that you have a problem and firmly resolve to make a change in your life. Thousands of people have conquered alcoholism and you can do it too.

Recovery from high-functioning alcoholism is a personalized journey, and the treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Recognizing the importance of seeking professional help and support is the first significant step to recovery. Detoxing at a treatment facility means you’ll be under supervision while all traces of alcohol leave your system.

• If people with high functioning AUD do not get treatment, the disease may progress to a point at which their dependence significantly impacts their day-to-day lives.
• They may be able to go days or even weeks without drinking and without suffering from serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is.
• The term tolerance refers to a lowered effect of alcohol with repeated exposure.
• No matter how well high-functioning alcoholics conceal their addiction or maintain their careers and relationships, they are still alcoholics.
• In the long term, their alcohol abuse can damage relationships with friends and family, causing strain and emotional distress.

Impact of Being a Functional Alcoholic

The Signs and Symptoms of a Functioning Alcoholic

• A high-functioning alcoholic’s behavior may change significantly while drinking.
• Both binge drinking and heavy drinking patterns increase a person’s risk of AUD and are common behaviors among people with AUD.
• There are many treatment services available to those battling alcohol abuse.
• Finally, be willing to admit that you have a problem and firmly resolve to make a change in your life.
• However, alcohol use disorder is diagnosed based on a set of criteria that aren’t always seen by others.
• This is because people can be skillful at hiding the signs of an issue with alcohol.