10 Warning Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic (And What to Do About It)
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the 16 million Americans who have an alcohol addiction, nearly 20% are classified as functional alcoholics.
These people don’t fit the stereotypes one thinks of when they hear the word “alcoholic.” Functional alcoholics usually have a job, family, and active social life. They may not even drink every day.
That’s what makes recognizing a high functioning alcoholic and knowing when to encourage them to seek help is so tricky. Here are ten warning signs of a high functioning alcoholic.
1. They Drink to Deal With Problems
It’s one thing to have a glass of wine every Friday night with dinner to celebrate the end of a workweek. However, it’s a different manner when alcohol is used as a pacifier for dealing with any kind of stressful situation in daily life.
There are healthier ways of dealing with stress and setbacks that can include exercise, taking up a hobby, and talking with a friend or loved one about it. If someone automatically grabs a glass or bottle, this can be a sign of a functioning alcoholic.
2. They Can’t Seem to Stick to Limits
A functioning alcoholic may tell themselves they’re just going to have one or two drinks, but they can never seem to stick to this limit. It doesn’t matter if it’s a company party or just a night out with friends.
Recommended drink limits according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are one drink daily for women and two for men. If you regularly surpass the daily limit, you may have a problem.
“Just one more” is often the functioning alcoholic’s mantra. Not having this kind of willpower and control over drinking may indicate that help with alcohol addiction is needed.
3. They Sneak Drinking and Drink Alone
People who consistently drink in secret and drink alone may be functioning alcoholics. The need to drink in private usually arises from feeling guilty about drinking or a need to shield themselves from others who may judge their drinking habits. This type of drinking can be dangerous since no one else may suspect the individual has a problem.
4. They Drink During the Day
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a Bloody Mary during brunch with the gal pals, or the occasional chardonnay with lunch. But when it becomes a daily or nearly daily occurrence and the drinking happens earlier, it may indicate a problem.
The day drinker is also likely to think there’s nothing wrong with their behavior since alcohol is readily available at most restaurants early in the day.
5. They’re a Different Person Sober
A person’s personality can change when they are intoxicated; they can become more animated and outgoing. This in itself is nothing unusual, but when their sober self is drastically different, this is a warning sign of a functioning alcoholic.
They may become more introverted and withdrawn when sober, and only come alive after they’ve had a few drinks.
6. They Drink Instead of Eating
At social gatherings, the functioning alcoholic prefers to drink and mingle way after everyone else is seated and eating. They may even prefer to replace a whole meal with a few drinks. This kind of behavior is very unhealthy for the body and can even cause weight gain from consuming so many empty calories.
Many people may drink instead of eating because they know they will get buzzed faster and more intensely on an empty stomach.
7. They Try to Build Their Alcohol Tolerance
Functional alcoholics may have developed a tolerance for their previous alcohol intake, so they switch to harder liquors or consume more of their favorites to get a bigger buzz. This is similar to a drug addict taking more drugs to get a greater high because of the endorphins that are created when they take a substance.
8. They Deny They Have a Problem
It’s easy for a functioning alcoholic to deny they have a drinking problem. They may reason that because they have a job and a family that there’s no way they fit the profile of an alcoholic.
Their life doesn’t fit what comes to mind when many people think of the daily life of an alcoholic or addict. Yet, it’s very possible if they continue down this path they could wind up compromising their career, family, and finances. Functioning alcoholics should read more here about what their life could become if they don’t get a hold of their addiction.
9. Drinking Is Affecting Their Responsibilities
A functioning alcoholic can usually juggle their workload, home life, and other responsibilities. If the drinking worsens these will begin to fall by the wayside, however. The drinker may start to arrive late for work and miss important appointments and commitments.
10. They Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
A drinker has become addicted to alcohol when they actually experience withdrawal symptoms when cutting down or trying to quit their alcohol consumption. They may become irritated, nauseous, nervous or anxious, and may experience headaches, sweating, shaking, or a change in appetite.
When this occurs they should really seek a doctor for medical care and check themselves into a recovery center before they reach rock bottom.
Help for the High Functioning Alcoholic
It may be difficult, but it’s not impossible for the high functioning alcoholic to get help. In many cases, an intervention consisting of other family members and loved ones may be needed. A doctor or substance abuse counselor may also be able to provide assistance and convince the functioning alcoholic to seek help.
We Can Help You Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Limiting alcohol intake and acknowledging that you have a problem with drinking is just one way a high functioning alcoholic can live a healthy lifestyle. We have plenty of other posts to help you live your best life ever. Read our latest health content articles to learn more.
