You might hear the term ‘currently functioning’ used to emphasise that a person’s ability to function right now is unlikely to last. Alcohol addiction can have a devastating effect on someone’s life, but how long it takes someone’s drinking problem to affect their daily functioning will differ from person to person. Recognizing the signs of high-functioning alcoholism and seeking treatment early is vital. It’s important to remember that asking for help demonstrates strength, not weakness.
What are the risk factors for high-functioning AUD?
Research suggests that 1 to 3 out of 10 employees may benefit from workplace interventions, emphasizing the need for more proactive measures in professional settings. Demographically, the prevalence of alcohol use and AUD varies widely. The epidemiology of alcohol use disorders cross-nationally indicates that mean lifetime prevalence of alcohol use in all countries combined was 80%, with AUD prevalence at 8.6% lifetime and 2.2% high functioning alcoholic over a 12-month period. This data suggests a significant portion of the population may potentially fall into the high-functioning alcoholism category, particularly among those who do not abstain from alcohol. The concept of high-intensity drinking, consuming alcohol at levels two or more times the gender-specific binge drinking thresholds, is an emerging trend that may encompass individuals with high-functioning alcoholism.
Why denial is common for people with AUD
Furthermore, the immune system is compromised, leading to a reduced ability to fight infections and diseases. When they know other people are going to be around, high-functioning alcoholics may sneak a drink early, drink before going out to the bar or club, or drink alone. This hidden drinking and secretive lifestyle is a huge red flag when it comes to alcoholism https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and shouldn’t be ignored. There are many rehab centers and support groups, both online and in-person, for people who are working to achieve sobriety. If you’re ready to get started, contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options. The professional lives of high-functioning alcoholics are often challenging and stressful.
Coping With a Functional Alcoholic
If you’re ready to seek treatment for alcoholism or would like to know more about your treatment options, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. AAC is the parent company of Alcohol.org and is a nationwide provider of treatment facilities focused on providing hope and recovery for those in need. In addition to the health effects of having an alcohol use disorder, it can also take a toll on relationships. Drinking doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the entire family unit. A functional alcoholic often consumes as much alcohol as someone with an alcohol use disorder. Daily drinking can have serious consequences for a person’s health, both in the short- and long-term.
Frequent Performance Issues at Work or Other Functions
Alcohol treatment uses various methods to help with withdrawal and addiction. With these interventions, people can find health and happiness in sobriety. These symptoms can be subtle and are often overlooked due to the individual’s ability to function effectively in their daily life. However, recognizing these signs is crucial for addressing high-functioning alcoholism and seeking appropriate treatment.
With our help, patients don’t only appear to function normally, but feel and experience life to its greatest potential as a sober and recovering individual. Furthermore, high-functioning alcoholics may deny the negative consequences of their drinking, which can delay the recognition of the problem and the seeking of help. The presence of early exposure to alcohol and high levels of stress without effective coping mechanisms are additional risk factors that professionals consider when identifying high-functioning alcoholism. And yet alcoholism—more accurately called “alcohol use disorder”—falls along a spectrum that ranges from mild to severe. People with severe cases might look like the stereotypical alcoholic.
- Furthermore, alcohol misuse is a known chronic stressor that can lead to marital dysfunction and financial difficulties, undermining intimate and familial relationships.
- Sometimes, a person’s personality can influence their tendency for denial.
- If it’s time to seek help, contact us to learn about our treatment approach and facilities.
- Unfortunately, high-functioning alcoholism, as a secret or undiagnosed disorder, can be more dangerous than obvious, debilitating alcoholism.
- You may hear them called “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics. But those aren’t official medical terms.
- Despite these patterns, they often maintain a semblance of normalcy in their job performance and social activities.
‘High-functioning alcoholic’ shared the moment she realised she had an addiction
An alcoholic in denial may become extremely manipulative, tearful, angry or hostile when faced with the need for alcohol treatment. An experienced intervention specialist can help the participants prepare for these reactions so they can respond effectively. People who live fully functional lives can still have AUD and can benefit from treatment and support. The condition causes changes in the brain that decrease the ability to quit on your own. This makes it important to seek medical treatment and peer support in your recovery process.
“But I can only feel recovered at least for me, the day that I’m in. Hence why people continue to do 12 step programmes throughout their whole life,” she explained. “I learned how to live sober and use a 12 step programme to give me relief – relief what alcohol used to give me. Reach out to a treatment provider for free today for immediate assistance.
- This makes it important to seek medical treatment and peer support in your recovery process.
- This tolerance often leads to dangerous levels of consumption with significant health risks.
- While they may seem OK to the outside world, it’s likely that warning signs and symptoms are appearing elsewhere.
- But with people who have mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, the signs might not be so obvious.
They can assess your symptoms and offer next steps, whether this is treatment or other methods of support. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Drinkline offer free, confidential, over-the-phone advice and support for people who are concerned about their drinking. Join our expert psychiatrist, Priory’s Dr Renju Joseph, as he discusses the key signs and symptoms of alcoholism – informed by years of experience treating people with addiction issues.