High functioning alcoholic: Signs, risks, and more

November, 2023 No Comments Sober living

This could include people with high-functioning AUD, but these criteria are not definitive characteristics. There are no official diagnostic criteria for what it means to be high functioning. For this reason, it is hard to determine exactly how many people might have high-functioning AUD.

Online Therapy Can Help

A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses. Drinking too much alcohol over time may cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can activate the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and cause abdominal pain. Dehydration-related effects, like nausea, headache, and dizziness, might not appear for a few hours, and they can also depend on what you drink, how much you drink, and if you also drink water.

Helpful resources

Unfortunately, even when functional alcoholics begin to recognize that they have a drinking problem, they still resist reaching out for help. By the time they admit the problem, their withdrawal symptoms—which can begin within a few hours after their last drink—can become more and more severe. A high functioning alcoholic is an informal term that refers to someone who appears to maintain a successful professional and personal life while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Regrettably, in many cases, other people in their lives affirm their denial by agreeing with their excuses and encouraging them to drink more. Spouses and family members of substance use disorder suds sometimes makes excuses for them as well and continue to keep alcohol at home. Regular drinking can also affect overall mental health and well-being, in part because alcohol may worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My understanding of HFAs is also from a personal perspective—I have been in recovery from alcoholism for almost five years. I, too, struggled to see that I could be accomplished academically and then professionally while drinking alcoholically.

Why denial is common for people with AUD

Functional alcoholics are often intelligent, hardworking and well-educated. Their professional status or personal success can make it hard to approach them about having a “problem” with alcohol. Unfortunately, high-functioning alcoholism, as a secret or undiagnosed disorder, can be more dangerous than obvious, debilitating alcoholism. This is because high-functioning alcoholics are often in denial about their addiction, so they are less likely to seek treatment. Since they’re not stereotypical alcoholics, they do not know or they will not admit that they have a serious problem with alcohol. American Addiction Centers offers a range of treatment services in facilities across the country to help treat alcohol use disorders.

If individuals are in the stabilization or deepening stages—a pathway is necessary to feel a sense of containment and stability. The connectedness or integration stages of recovery may increase the desire to explore different healing modalities. While new spiritual, therapeutic, or self-care practices have been added into their recovery plan, there may be resistance from self-help group members. Those in the integration and fulfillment stages of ketamine effects of ketamine recovery often experience acclimation to their current pathway and may be seeking something to reinvigorate their program. Everyone’s recovery patchwork is unique, and while some may share similarities, it is okay to think outside of the box and add or shift the process. It is advisable to include your therapist, coach, or mentor around these adjustments in order to be sure they are comprehensive enough to support your specific recovery needs.

Some people who drink eventually develop a tolerance to alcohol. As a result, they eventually need to drink more to notice the same effects they once did. People who binge drink or drink heavily may notice more health effects sooner, but alcohol also poses some risks for people who drink in moderation.

  1. The person may offer excuses or attempt to explain away their addiction, but stay firm and offer to help the person start treatment.
  2. The term “functional alcoholic” is heavily debated in the addiction community, but it’s part of the social vernacular so it’s valuable to discuss the common misconceptions.
  3. If you drink, you’ve probably had some experience with alcohol’s effects, from the warm buzz that kicks in quickly to the not-so-pleasant wine headache, or the hangover that shows up the next morning.
  4. A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses.
  5. My understanding of HFAs is also from a personal perspective—I have been in recovery from alcoholism for almost five years.
  6. Since those effects don’t last long, you might not worry much about them, especially if you don’t drink often.

Researchers cited further risk factors, such as having a child under 18 and at home, having depression, and having fewer social interactions due to the pandemic. People who are concerned about their drinking habits, and those who are showing signs of an AUD, may wish to reach out for help and support. According to the NIAAA, the majority of people with an AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 95,000 people lose their lives every year due to excessive alcohol use. A person who appears to be managing their alcohol intake but is experiencing issues with their relationship to alcohol has what is now known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

These achievements often lead to an increase in personal denial as well as denial from colleagues and loved ones. “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. is alcoholism a mental illness 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *