The reality of what an addiction to alcohol looks like in terms of outward appearances varies for different individuals. 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. High-functioning (or perhaps more accurately, currently functioning) alcoholics defy the usual stereotypes that people have of those caught Sober living home in the grip of addiction. This is perhaps one of the most evident signs that you are an alcoholic, high-functioning or not.
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- High-functioning alcoholics will feel the need to drink so they can relax or deal with stressful situations.
- Even though they think they’re being good parents, high-functioning alcoholics can’t be fully committed to their children’s well-being when alcohol is also a major part of their life.
- Finally, social factors such as peer pressure and the availability of alcohol can also contribute to someone’s continued drinking.
- He has a solid career, loves you and the kids and is the life of the party in social situations.
Healthy drinking habits usually involve drinking in a social setting—with your friends, your partner, your family, and your loved ones. One of the significant signs of a high-functioning alcoholic is when drinking is done alone, sometimes even in secret. When you drink on your own, it can be a lot harder to limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. Fear of being “found out” often keeps high-functioning alcoholics from seeking help.
The 6 Stages of Mental Health Recovery
High functioning alcoholics are particularly good at denial, as they are often able to maintain successful careers and families while still abusing alcohol. This can make it even more difficult for loved ones to convince them to get help. If you’re able to drink in moderation on most days but find yourself unable to stop once you start high functioning alcoholic drinking in the evening, this may be a sign of high functioning alcoholism.
Needing More Alcohol to Feel the Effects
This is why psychological counseling, such as talk therapy, is important if you’re recovering from AUD. This can help you learn new coping skills so you can turn to other behaviors instead of drinking in order to live a healthier life. 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. Peer pressure and easy availability of alcohol can https://ecosoberhouse.com/ increase the risk of developing an AUD. Negative life experiences, such as grief, abuse, or living in poverty, can also increase the odds.
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Over time, you may struggle to maintain social and familial obligations and relationships. These people have jobs, active social lives, or happy families at home. While the term “alcoholic” was used in the past but is now viewed as outdated and stigmatizing.
- That stress inevitably bleeds into relationships, which can cause cracks and fissures that will rupture if not addressed in a healthy way.
- There can be some confusion surrounding when alcohol actually becomes a problem.
- As with anyone who’s struggling with an alcohol dependency, acceptance is an initial but significant step.
Recovery Stories
- People who are high functioning with a drinking problem “seem to have everything together,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor.
- High-functioning alcoholics may frequently experience blackouts or memory lapses, a phenomenon where they’re unable to recall events that occurred while they were drinking.
- In addition, heavy drinking comes with the risk of financial, legal, and family problems.
- There are many rehab centers and support groups, both online and in-person, for people who are working to achieve sobriety.
Often, there is a mindset that it is a personal problem that they need to “solve” themselves, despite it being notoriously difficult to achieve. A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who suffers from alcohol use disorder but can maintain the appearance that they have control over their drinking. Their hygiene is fine, they can socialize without drawing attention to their alcohol consumption, and they can hold down a steady job. High-functioning alcoholics appear to have everything together, but underneath, they battle addiction. 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.
