“Functioning” is subjective and limiting when describing a person living with alcohol use disorder. My understanding of HFAs is also from a personal perspective—I have been in recovery from alcoholism for almost five years. I, too, struggled to see that I could be accomplished academically and https://sober-home.org/ then professionally while drinking alcoholically. My image of the alcoholic was always an individual who could not hold his or her life together, and I certainly did not fit that description. My denial was deeply rooted and was reinforced not only by my loved ones but by society as a whole.
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These behaviors are potential signs that a person is unable to control their cravings for alcohol or they’re trying to resolve withdrawal symptoms by drinking, both of which are symptoms of AUD. Many are not viewed by society as being alcoholic, because they have functioned, succeeded and/or over-achieved throughout their lifetimes. These achievements often lead to an increase https://sober-home.org/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your-system/ in personal denial as well as denial from colleagues and loved ones. That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals. In addition, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol misuse like binge drinking and heavy drinking can increase your risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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” self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of an AUD. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. However, only a medical professional can diagnose someone with an AUD and determine the severity of their AUD. This is why psychological counseling, such as talk therapy, is important if you’re recovering from AUD.
High-Functioning Alcoholics
No matter how well high-functioning alcoholics conceal their addiction or maintain their careers and relationships, they are still alcoholics. Many high-functioning alcoholics in recovery have testified that someone can only live a normal life with alcoholism for so long until the disorder starts to affect their health and behavior. For example, high-functioning alcoholics are at greater risk for driving under the influence and committing other alcohol-related crimes. Even if a high-functioning alcoholic never suffers any legal or professional consequences from alcohol abuse, their body will still suffer. Long-term, chronic drinking damages a person’s brain, heart, liver, and other vital organs. High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease.
He or she may not believe that they are alcoholic and believe that they require more concrete evidence of being alcoholic in order to even consider getting sober. You may also suggest that they visit the “Rethinking Drinking” online assessment by the NIAAA and if necessary, try to set low-risk drinking limits for themselves through this online program. In terms of intimate relationships, many spouses or romantic partners have reported that they experience difficulty connecting emotionally with the HFA.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) highlights that alcohol misuse costs the nation approximately $249 billion per year and is a significant factor in premature death and disability globally. These impacts extend beyond the individual, affecting communities and society at large. In many instances, a spouse or partner may use the phrase “high-functioning” to downplay the seriousness of their alcohol addiction. One of the symptoms of an alcohol problem or Alcohol Use Disorder is when individuals make “rules” around their drinking. These therapies are available one-on-one or in small groups in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Some people with AUD may attend an inpatient recovery program, in which they stay at a facility for at least 28 days to receive concentrated treatment in a controlled environment.
- Your doctor may order this test if your blood tests indicate abnormal liver functioning.
- “Functioning” is subjective and limiting when describing a person living with alcohol use disorder.
- Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one.
- Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session.
A high-functioning alcoholic may hide their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major losses. Under the surface, this form of alcoholism can cause severe psychological and emotional damage to the alcoholic and also their loved ones.. High-functioning alcoholism is characterized by an individual’s ability to maintain what appears to be a normal life while struggling with alcohol dependency. Despite their seemingly successful exterior, high-functioning alcoholics can exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that hint at their struggle with alcohol use. These indicators span both physical and psychological domains and can manifest in various aspects of life. High-functioning alcoholism, a subset of alcohol use disorder, often masks its long-term effects due to the individual’s ability to maintain seemingly normal life activities.
High-functioning alcoholism, while often less visible than other forms of addiction, carries significant consequences for an individual’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Despite maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy, high-functioning alcoholics experience a range of detrimental effects that can erode their well-being over time. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption correlates with depressive disorders, which in turn can impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL), even in individuals without clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Alcoholism can take a devastating toll on a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, personal relationships and professional life. However, many alcoholics manage to function effectively, holding down jobs and maintaining households.
America’s National Institutes of Health estimate that as many as 20% of all people suffering from alcohol addiction are high functioning. If any of the factors below are familiar with you or someone you love, you might be at higher risk of becoming a functioning alcoholic. Alcohol abuse can sometimes be confusing and difficult to spot, especially if a person appears to be capable of doing everything they need to maintain core aspects of their lives.
Submit your number to receive a call today from a treatment provider. If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, reach out today. Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober. Call now to connect with a treatment provider and start your recovery journey. Another major sign that someone is a high-functioning alcoholic is the fact that alcohol is an important part of their life.
High-functioning alcoholism presents unique challenges in treatment, primarily due to the individual’s ability to maintain a seemingly successful lifestyle despite their addiction. A critical barrier is denial, which is often rooted in the person’s professional and personal successes that seemingly contradict the presence of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The societal perception that success and alcoholism are mutually exclusive further reinforces this denial, making it difficult for individuals to acknowledge their need for help.
It can lead to liver disease, pancreatitis, some forms of cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and high blood pressure. It also makes someone more likely to die in a car wreck or from murder or suicide. And any alcohol abuse raises the odds of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and fetal alcohol syndrome. But they may put themselves or others in danger by drinking and driving, having risky sexual encounters, or blacking out, Benton says. You may hear them called “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics. But those aren’t official medical terms.
Over time, these minor signs can snowball into more significant issues. 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. As such, they may justify their drinking as a normal part of life—even though it isn’t. The most in-depth care allows you to live full time at a treatment facility.
There may also be new legal issues arising for them, like driving under the influence or making other poor decisions. 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. In addition, since the impact of AUD may not be as obvious, the person may be unable to recognize the severity of their condition in these early stages. It can also ultimately lead to relationship difficulties as well as legal and financial problems. You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition.
The person may offer excuses or attempt to explain away their addiction, but stay firm and offer to help the person start treatment. If possible, get other family member and friends involved and stage an intervention. 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. This article explores the meaning of the term high functioning alcoholic, looks at the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), how people can help friends and family, and more. Unfortunately, even when functional alcoholics begin to recognize that they have a drinking problem, they still resist reaching out for help.
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. 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 with a marital separation if he decides not to seek help.
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 in the grip of addiction. High-functioning alcoholics are more likely to develop some types of cancer, high blood pressure, liver and pancreas problems and memory loss. Instead, it is an outdated term that was used to describe a person with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who presents as though their alcohol use has no adverse impact on their life or the lives of those around them.