What is a High Functioning Alcoholic? Definition & Signs

A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who meets clinical criteria for an alcohol use disorder but can continue to succeed in areas such as employment, academics, family obligations, and social life. 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. The picture of someone struggling with alcohol abuse disorder is often one where people struggle to live life normally as they battle a dependency on alcohol. For many people struggling with addiction this is functional alcoholic husband true, but for someone with functioning alcoholism this isn’t the case.

Treatment Programs

Organizations such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine can guide you to help, too. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. The National Institute of Health suggests that loved ones should start by talking about their concerns. Instead, voice your concerns, share how their drinking is affecting others, and suggest ways that you can help them talk to a doctor or join a support group. They may try to quit independently, but the withdrawals are too unpleasant or severe.

State Rehab Guides

• 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.
• This could manifest as missed deadlines at work, absenteeism, or declining performance.
• This neglect can lead to a loss of passion and a diminished quality of life.
• Sm is a complex condition that manifests differently from individual to individual.

These services can significantly improve health and well-being, breaking the cycle of addiction. Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC offers comprehensive, professional help for those battling alcoholism. These can range from “fragmentary” blackouts, where only certain details are missing, to “en bloc” blackouts involving total memory loss of events. While not all alcoholics experience blackouts, over 60% of a surveyed group of alcoholics reported regular instances of these memory lapses. Their bodies have adapted to the regular intake of alcohol, requiring more and more to achieve the same effects. While this might seem like an advantage, it’s actually detrimental to one’s health.

High-Functioning vs. Non-High-Functioning Alcoholism

• Regardless of how well a person can function, excessive drinking almost always erodes well-being and typically escalates with time.
• Your doctor can give you medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and help you lessen alcohol cravings to reduce the risk of drinking again.
• A “high-functioning alcoholic” is someone who exhibits problematic drinking behaviors yet manages to maintain the outward appearance of a successful, stable life.
• The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely.

Addressing the issue early reduces the risk of long-term damage, improves mental and physical health, and increases the chances of a successful recovery. Support from loved ones and professional treatment can make a significant difference in breaking the cycle of alcohol dependence. Studies estimate that nearly 20% of alcoholics fall into the high functioning category, meaning they maintain jobs, relationships, and daily responsibilities while struggling with alcohol dependence. Many are professionals, executives, or individuals in high-stress careers who use alcohol to cope.

This means they can consume large amounts of alcohol without appearing intoxicated. The longer high-functioning alcoholism goes unaddressed, the greater the potential harm. Even for those who appear to have it all together, alcohol use can steadily chip away at their health, emotional well-being and future potential. drug addiction Identifying a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging since they often appear to maintain their daily responsibilities.

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While social drinking is a common part of some cultures, it’s different from “responsible drinking” which emphasizes moderation and safety. However, regular social drinking can lead to dependence, including the development of high-functioning alcoholism. This means someone may appear to function normally in daily life while struggling with alcohol dependence.