What Is a “Functioning Alcoholic”? Signs, Dangers, Help

The signs and symptoms listed above should be a good indicator of high-functioning alcoholism. They might also isolate themselves from other people to spend time drinking alone. Although they can live a perfectly normal life, they can still benefit from professional help. Without help, their AUD can worsen and cause long-term health and social problems. Spithoff, Sheryl, MD CCFP, et al. “Primary care management of alcohol use disorder and at-risk drinking.” NIH National Library of Medicine, June 2015. The development of tolerance can occur when someone regularly uses alcohol.

What is a High Functioning Alcoholic?

Early intervention and treatment can help reduce the severity of the celebrity fetal alcohol syndrome disease and prevent further physical or mental complications from developing. More recently, a 2020 study found that people who used alcohol to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to drink alone and drink to excessive amounts. 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.

1. It can lead to liver disease, pancreatitis, some forms of cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and high blood pressure.
2. 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.
3. There can also be declines in their mental and overall health, especially if they’re not eating healthy diets or engaging in physical activity.
4. Or, they get bombed every weekend but don’t skip a beat at their demanding job.

About Medical News Today

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. They may perform well at work, have a pristine appearance and enjoy an active social life. While they may seem OK to the outside world, it’s likely that warning signs and symptoms are appearing elsewhere. At some point, a high-functioning alcoholic has tried to quit drinking but failed in their attempt.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Alcohol Abuse?

They may also withdraw from social situations and find excuses to miss events or optional commitments where drinking is not available or possible. There may also be new legal issues arising for them, like driving under the influence or making other poor decisions. While their appearance may not be any different and they can still fulfill their responsibilities, you’ll start to see a pattern develop of turning to alcohol to cope with family, work or personal issues. In “case management,” a professional may work with you one-on-one. Outpatient programs make it possible for you to get treatment during the day and still live at home. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.

Treatment programs at The Recovery Village include a full spectrum of alcohol recovery services, from alcohol detox to rehab, aftercare and sober housing. When you’re ready to seek help, or if you have questions about how to live with an alcoholic, we’re here for you.Contact ustoday to learn more about our treatment options. Even though they may want to stop, many functioning alcoholics often won’t know where or how to begin the process. This is where family, friends and medical professionals can work together to create a plan to help end this cycle before they do more harm to themselves. People can have a varied reaction and tolerance to alcohol and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are alcoholics. However, as functioning alcoholics drink more regularly, they develop a higher tolerance.

How Does an Alcoholic or Other Substance Abuse Affect the Household?

The way people with alcohol use disorder present in their day-to-day lives varies significantly. Media portrayal of people with alcohol use disorder is often stereotypical and does not accurately reflect the complexity of alcoholism as a disease. People who live fully functional lives can still have AUD and can benefit from treatment and support. The condition causes changes in the brain that decrease the ability to quit on your own. This makes it important to seek medical treatment and peer support in your recovery process. The longer you live with AUD, the higher your risk of developing complications that can lead to death.

Broadly, the term alcohol use disorder can describe a spectrum of medical conditions characterized primarily by not being able to stop or control drinking. When you lose control over drinking patterns, it can create negative consequences in different areas of your life. Alcohol addiction is one of the most severe levels of an alcohol use disorder, but these disorders can also be mild or moderate.

Although a person with high-functioning alcoholism may appear fine, they are not. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Sometimes, only the people close to them will notice their problematic drinking patterns. Because of this appearance, their problem doesn’t seem as severe as other types of alcoholism. If it’s time to seek help, contact us to learn about our treatment approach and facilities.