High-Functioning Alcoholics: Signs, Dangers and Help

Binge drinking is defined as having four or more beverages in one drinking episode for women and five or more beverages for men (a typical drinking episode is around two hours). Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. After all, they have managed to maintain the appearance of success despite their addiction.

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While the term “alcoholic” was used in the past but is now viewed as outdated and stigmatizing. These individuals are often referred to as “high-functioning alcoholics.” In fact, many people with serious alcohol use disorders maintain jobs, relationships, and outward appearances of success. For example, a family history of alcoholism or a stressful environment. Genetic or environmental factors can cause high-functioning alcoholism.

Drinking As A Reward

• Although an intervention can take many forms, many of these meetings open with each participant stating how the alcoholic’s behavior has harmed or disappointed them.
• Health is the next important area to be negatively affected by drinking.
• Under the surface, this form of alcoholism can cause severe psychological and emotional damage to the alcoholic and also their loved ones..
• It can take many months or years for addiction-related health problems, such as liver damage and cancer risk, to manifest.
• Instead, it is a colloquial term used to describe someone who meets the criteria for an alcohol use disorder yet still manages to keep up appearances.

The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can impact short- and long-term physical and mental health. 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. Even if you don’t struggle with AUD, drinking alcohol has physical and mental health risks. 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. Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders.

Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Additionally, individuals can opt into alcohol rehab programs that offer varying levels of care depending on the person’s unique needs. Thousands find freedom from alcohol every year — and so can you. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.

This means someone may appear to function normally in daily life while struggling with alcohol dependence. Social drinking refers to consuming alcohol in casual settings like bars, nightclubs, or parties, focusing on the company rather than the amount of alcohol. Doctors hope that the new definition will help identify severe cases of alcoholism early, rather than when the problem is fully developed. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. 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.

• Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
• But behind the scenes, the emotional, physical, and relational costs of their drinking can be just as destructive as more visible forms of alcoholism.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery are support groups specifically designed for people in recovery from an alcohol-related condition.
• Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility.

The NIH has also found that nearly half of all high-functioning alcoholics are smokers. While there is no known cause of any type of alcohol use disorder, including high-functioning alcoholism, some mitigating factors can play a role in developing an alcohol-related issue. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the typical high-functioning alcoholic is a middle-aged, well-educated person with a stable job and a family. Here are some common warning signs of someone dealing with high-functioning alcoholism To the outside world, someone who is a high-functioning alcoholic often does not show many signs and symptoms of AUD. A high-functioning alcoholic can go about daily life and take care of their obligations (like work or school) primarily undetected.

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Could it be that you have an alcohol use disorder even though you continue to function well in society? However, they are likely struggling with uncontrollable cravings, unsuccessful attempts at quitting, and obsessive thoughts about their next drink—all hallmarks of an alcohol use disorder. The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely. Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. That includes intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), individual therapy, and medical support for detox. Understanding what high-functioning alcoholism looks like is the first step towards recognising it in yourself or someone you care about.

During this time, the damage to their physical health and emotional well-being accumulates, making eventual recovery efforts more complicated. While anyone can develop an alcohol use disorder, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of someone becoming a high-functioning alcoholic. If any combination of these signs arises repeatedly, it’s important to probe deeper into the possibility of an alcohol use disorder.

What Is High-Functioning Alcoholism?

These individuals typically have well-developed coping skills to hide or minimize their problematic drinking. 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. Family and friends may worry that pointing out risky drinking behaviors to the person may alienate them and risk further harm. It can be very difficult for people to watch someone they care about experience an AUD.

Treatment Options for High-Functioning Alcoholics

This is because they have developed a tolerance for alcohol to the point that it takes more for them to feel the effects (including hangovers). When the pain or embarrassment gets bad enough, they can no longer deny that their drinking needs to be addressed. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing an alcohol problem.

Because these indicators tend to appear gradually over time, they can be challenging to identify, as well as to connect directly to drinking. Health is the next important area to be negatively affected by drinking. Start your recovery journey with peace of mind, knowing your care is covered. Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time. This happens every time or frequently enough that drinking seems to become out of control or turn into a binge drinking session. When drinking socially or with colleagues, one High-functioning alcoholic drink often leads to several.

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. Today, healthcare professionals would say that a person has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Robert Haynes, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle. Many high-functioning alcoholics work in industries or social circles where drinking is normalised, or even celebrated. A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who continues to meet personal and professional responsibilities despite drinking heavily. But behind the scenes, the emotional, physical, and relational costs of their drinking can be just as destructive as more visible forms of alcoholism.

Before initiating a conversation, learn about alcoholism, its signs, and its consequences. Because they often don’t display the same “classic” signs of alcoholism and might have strong defenses, confrontation can elicit denial or anger. Approaching a high-functioning alcoholic about their drinking can be delicate.

Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. This article examines how to identify a high-functioning alcoholic, discusses the risks they face, and outlines ways to help them pursue a healthier, alcohol-free life. Despite the ability to “hold it all together,” alcoholism invariably takes its toll on physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and future prospects. Understanding alcoholism can be challenging, particularly when it manifests in people who appear to function normally in most areas of life.

A high-functioning alcoholic is someone with Alcohol Use Disorder who manages to maintain their job and relationships, often hiding the severity of their drinking. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Recognizing the signs of a high-functioning alcoholic is only part of the equation. An alcoholic in denial may become extremely manipulative, tearful, angry or hostile when faced with the need for alcohol treatment. An addiction therapist can help you find positive ways to deal with the stress of living with a functional alcoholic.

If someone close to you is a high-functioning alcoholic, it’s just as important to seek support for yourself as it is to get help for your loved one. Many high-functioning alcoholics earn a good living and can support their families while continuing to drink. When people think of alcoholism, they often picture a pattern that disrupts almost every aspect of an individual’s life. They begin to rely on alcohol to manage the stressors of a normal workday or to numb the effects of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

For example, “I noticed you seemed shaky this morning,” or “I’m concerned about how stressed you’ve been and how much you’ve been drinking lately.” Avoid discussing the issue during or immediately following a bout of heavy drinking, when emotions (and possibly intoxication) can cloud judgment. Regardless of how well a person can function, excessive drinking almost always erodes well-being and typically escalates with time. Ultimately, the “high-functioning” label can be misleading, as it might encourage both the individual and society at large to overlook the severity of the alcohol problem. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.

Impact of Being a Functional Alcoholic

High-functioning alcoholics tend to drink consistently. Generally, functioning alcoholics are convinced that they have everything under control and are often able to convince others of the same. As alcoholism progresses and increases control over someone’s life, the first significant area to suffer is that of recreational interests, participation in which decreases and often stops completely. An individual suffering from alcohol addiction will often defend their drinking by claiming they’ve “earned” it by working hard or they are “just blowing off steam” and enjoying their time away from work. 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. The reality of what an addiction to alcohol looks like in terms of outward appearances varies for different individuals.