Alcoholism affects everyone in a household— not just the individual who drinks. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of physical and emotional violence, as well as substance abuse in other family members. An addiction therapist can help you find positive ways to deal with the stress of living with a functional alcoholic. After all, they have managed to maintain the appearance of success despite their addiction. But most high-functioning alcoholics have friends or loved ones who help them cover up the consequences of their drinking.
- It’s easy for someone who is maintaining success in their career, keeping a normal social circle, or who has an otherwise happy family to deny that they have a drinking problem.
- This tolerance develops over time and is a key sign of alcohol dependence.
- After completing detox, you may participate in an alcohol treatment program at a substance abuse treatment center.
- Engagement with such support networks not only fosters accountability but also provides emotional sustenance essential for long-term recovery.
Socializing Usually Involves Drinking
Often, alcohol ends up contributing to anxiety symptoms, making them even worse. High functioning alcoholics often drink to relax, relieve stress, or calm down. Alcohol can be a quick and easy way to relax and escape from their problems, but it is only a temporary solution that will ultimately make things worse. High functioning alcoholics often drink more than intended or planned. You may tell yourself you will only drink during a party but find yourself drinking all night.
What Makes Dealing with High-Functioning Alcoholics so Challenging?
How can one be both dependent on alcohol and still manage daily responsibilities effectively? A functioning alcoholic, also known as a high-functioning alcoholic, is an individual who appears to lead a normal life on the surface but is heavily heroin addiction reliant on alcohol. They often hold down jobs, maintain relationships, and appear physically and mentally sound—at least to the outside world.
Signs of a Functional Alcoholic
Other alternatives include group or individualized therapy, consulting educational resources and books, or attending online support groups. These signs are not a definitive diagnosis, but they serve as a crucial wake-up call. If you recognize these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, it’s time to break the silence.
They may try to limit themselves to one or two drinks but end up drinking more and feel like they can’t stop once they’ve started. Many high-functioning alcoholics go to great lengths to conceal their drinking, such as keeping alcohol in unexpected places, drinking alone, or drinking before social events. They may also downplay their consumption when asked, making it difficult for others to recognize the severity of the issue. At Casa Palmera, our goal is to aid you in a comprehensive spiritual, physical, and emotional recovery.
When people drink alcohol, it can temporarily lower inhibitions and reduce feelings of anxiety or shyness. For some people, this can be a pleasant feeling that enhances social interactions and makes them feel more confident. For many people high functioning alcoholic who struggle with functional alcoholism, alcohol becomes a way to self-medicate and cope with negative emotions. Drinking to feel happy or confident can be a way to avoid dealing with difficult life issues or stressful situations. High functioning alcoholics can drink much more than others without appearing drunk.
While they may seem OK to the outside world, it’s likely that warning signs and symptoms are appearing elsewhere. Acknowledging that there is a problem is the first step towards recovery. If you have an addiction to alcohol and are tired of its negative impacts on your life, contact a treatment provider today to explore your treatment options. With high-functioning alcoholics, the negative consequences of their drinking may be obscured by their outward successes. They often feel immense pressure to maintain their appearance of normalcy while battling their addiction in private.
