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. For those who aren’t familiar with this disorder first-hand, when they hear the term “alcoholic,” they might picture someone unable to hold a job or maintain healthy relationships because of their drinking. But having alcohol use disorder doesn’t necessarily mean a person is unable to function in their daily life. AUD is a brain disorder and disease that occurs when people cannot stop or control their drinking despite adverse effects on relationships, work or school, finances, and overall health.
Frequent Performance Issues at Work or Other Functions
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. While the term “alcoholic” was used in the past but is now viewed as outdated and stigmatizing. Today, healthcare professionals would say that a person has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Sometimes, people with alcohol use disorder don’t recognize their drinking is an issue, especially if they meet their work and home life responsibilities despite their alcohol dependence.
What Types of Responsibilities can a High-Functioning Alcoholic Maintain?
- For people who also experience alcohol dependence, the first step in AUD treatment may involve medical support.
- Within 5 minutes, you’ll receive an email with these details – free of charge.
- Not only does AUD affect the health of the person with the disease, but it also impacts the lives of those around them.
- Researchers cited further risk factors, such as having a child under 18 and at home, having depression, and having fewer social interactions due to the pandemic.
This article discusses alcohol use disorder symptoms and strategies for treatment and intervention. Your doctor or another medical or mental health professional can provide you with more information and guidance about alcoholism and suggest how to speak to your loved one. AUD makes it harder to process thoughts and regulate emotions and behaviors, leading to mental, physical, and emotional symptoms. As a result, AUD creates many obstacles and frustrations in day-to-day life. Daily drinking can have serious consequences for a person’s health, both in the short- and long-term.
Relationships and Social Life
These criteria are often internal struggles, not observable to others. Someone can live with alcohol use disorder without anyone else noticing. It is also possible to detox as part of an outpatient program, which features varying levels of support high functioning alcoholic and treatment. The first step for most people is detox, which means quitting alcohol. A detox may take place at a hospital or inpatient facility, such as rehab. It is important to note that these signs may not be obvious to a loved one or friend.
- If a person drinks frequently or more heavily, the nerve cells in the brain adapt by reducing the number of places they can receive these messages.
- As a result, their follow-through on responsibilities and commitments becomes less reliable.
- Most work full time and have stable relationships along with high earnings.
- A high-functioning alcoholic can carry out their daily tasks with little to no external consequences of alcohol abuse.
Since there is no downside and only upside (I feel good) I’m struggling to find a reason to stop. I used to enjoy weed when I was younger and could probably replace alcohol with it, but my job prohibits smoking. At Serenity Vista, we offer a deeply transformational alcohol addiction treatment program in a nurturing, nonjudgmental environment. They don’t think of suburban moms or people with high-powered careers – but often, these people are fighting an internal battle with alcohol addiction that no one, including themselves, can clearly see. Mission Harbor is dedicated to treating Santa Barbara County and Los Angeles County with specialized mental and behavioral health programs in a convenient outpatient environment. Our treatment facility is accredited by the Joint Commission and LegitScript Certified.
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It is important to know that an AUD is a chronic but treatable disease. Early intervention and treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent further physical or mental complications from developing. A person who appears to be managing their alcohol intake but is experiencing issues with their relationship to alcohol has what is now known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Managing AUD is a lifelong process, so the earlier you or your loved one seeks help, the more likely you are to succeed in overcoming the disorder and limiting recurrence. Both residential and outpatient day treatment programs are available for those in recovery. Since people with high-functioning AUD can be on the milder spectrum of the condition, the earlier treatment happens, the more it may be possible to avoid a progression.
What if your loved one refuses?
High-Functioning Alcoholism and the Dangers of Denial
- Many people with AUDs decide to have further treatment and support, such as attending group therapy, individual counseling, or support groups.
- Alcohol dependence, regardless of outward functionality, can cause serious health problems.
- High-functioning alcoholics typically joke about their drinking habits.
- For example, you might imagine an “alcoholic” as someone who is constantly near-blackout drunk, and someone who’s unable to maintain a job or family life.