When someone has an alcohol addiction, there are often clear negative side effects for everyone to see. This could include neglecting responsibilities, behaving recklessly or becoming emotionally volatile.
However, some people are able to drink large quantities of alcohol regularly without these repercussions. Such addicts are able to hold down jobs, maintain healthy relationships and even look after children as well as any sober parent. These people are sometimes referred to as ‘high-functioning alcoholics’.
People who fit this description may not see themselves as having a problem – and people around them may not see it as a problem either. However, it is still a dangerous form of addiction. This post explores why you shouldn’t dismiss high-functioning alcoholism.
Signs of high functioning alcoholism
You or someone you know may be a high-functioning alcoholic if you notice any of these signs:
- High functioning alcoholics are typically reliant on drinking every day or binge-drinking in order to de-stress or relieve anxiety
- High functioning alcoholics often have a high tolerance for alcohol or are able to hide being drunk better than other people
- In some cases, a high functioning alcoholic may drink excessively in private while appearing to drink normal amounts of alcohol around others
- Others may boast about their ability to drink and may drink heavily at every social event – even when others are not
- Some high functioning alcoholics may put on a good appearance around certain people or in certain settings, but may act differently with close family and friends
Why being a high functioning alcoholic is still a problem
While high functioning alcoholics are able to lead successful lives, they are still not immune to the physical dangers of alcohol. Heavy drinking can cause liver disease, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system, fertility issues, brain damage and increased cancer risk. Those who are young may not think about these dangers – but they can quickly creep up.
Some high functioning alcoholics can also be mentally affected by their condition, even if they don’t make it known to other people. There could be guilt and shame around drinking excessively. Periods of withdrawal meanwhile may cause high functioning alcoholics to become very agitated and depressed because they have no other coping mechanism for stress.
It’s also worth noting that a high functioning alcoholic can progress into a dysfunctional alcoholic at any point. Some high functioning alcoholics drinks more and more as the years go by and eventually it becomes impossible to function normally.
How to get help
The first step to battling high functioning alcoholism is accepting that it is still a problem. You can then begin challenging yourself to drink less and protect your health. It could be important to notify people around you that you are actively cutting down on drinking and to surround yourself with people who support your wishes. Finding an alternative healthy ‘addiction’ could help you to abstain from alcohol – this could include exercise or getting into a new hobby.
Those who are unable to cut down on their own may need to consider getting professional support. This could include visiting a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab facility, joining a support group or trying one-on-one therapy.
Conclusion
High-functioning alcoholism is still a problem because it still damages your physical health, can cause mental health problems and may progress into a dysfunctional addiction. It is important to take action before these negative effects occur.
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