Getting help early on can reduce the risk of developing alcohol addiction. 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. Despite the ability to function at a high level, individuals with high-functioning alcoholism are not immune to these risks.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
The most in-depth care allows you to live full time at a treatment facility. These setups can also work along with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Relating to other people with substance abuse issues may help someone break through denial and begin to recover. Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder.
What is a Functioning Alcoholic? Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism
By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. “Functioning alcoholic” is an outdated term that in the past was used to describe people with alcohol use disorder who appear to meet their everyday responsibilities. However, alcohol use disorder is diagnosed based on a set of criteria that aren’t always seen by others. To cope with your stress, you may want to attend a support group for family and friends of people with alcohol use disorder (such as Al-Anon) or consider therapy. One sign that someone may have alcohol use disorder is that they consume excessive amounts of alcohol. This can look like binge drinking (drinking a lot over a short period) or heavy drinking (drinking a lot over a more extended period).
- Many people who suffer from alcohol use disorder struggle to acknowledge they’ve developed a dependence on the substance.
- However, only a medical professional can diagnose someone with an AUD and determine the severity of their AUD.
- AUD involves the continued use of alcohol despite the adverse effects it may have on a person’s life.
- Even mild symptoms can have negative effects in a person’s life, both personally and professionally.
What are the complications of AUD?
Relapsing doesn’t mean that treatment has failed, though — it takes time to change behavior. You can work with a health professional to try new treatments that may work better for you. In many organs, the effects of alcohol increase over time, and the damage becomes apparent only after years of abuse.
- A person who misuses alcohol may think or say they will have one drink of alcohol but then go on to have several.
- But genetics on their own don’t control whether a person has an alcohol use disorder.
- Treatment is tailored to individual needs, and a comprehensive plan may include a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups to address both the physical and psychological aspects of AUD.
- A test recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT).
Medical professionals can provide information about treatment, prescribe medication, and refer them to specialists. One sign of AUD is engaging in certain behaviors during or after drinking that may have harmful effects. For example, a person may engage in activities that risk unwanted or harmful consequences while drinking alcohol. Peer pressure and easy availability of alcohol can increase the risk of developing an AUD. Negative life experiences, such as grief, abuse, or living in poverty, can also increase the odds. People should note that the term “high functioning alcoholic” is no longer in use within the medical community.
- It is important to recognize that despite their ability to uphold responsibilities, these individuals are at risk for severe health and social consequences related to their alcohol use.
- Peer pressure and easy availability of alcohol can increase the risk of developing an AUD.
- They often believe they can’t have an addiction because they still carry out their duties.
- If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is.
- If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who are trying to recover from a codependent relationship. Other support groups, such as Al-Anon, are available for friends and family members who need help dealing with an alcoholic’s issues. People who are in a codependent relationship with an alcoholic prioritize the needs of the alcoholic over high functioning alcoholic their personal needs. They often suffer a variety of mental health issues, such as low self-esteem and depression. If you’re suffering from the effects of codependency, it may be time to take a break or distance yourself from the relationship. They may put themselves and others at risk by secretly driving under the influence with children in the car.
