In society, you often hear people reference the myth of the high-functioning alcoholic. This type of alcoholic is typically considered someone who has a normal life but also has a drinking problem.
Perpetuating this myth can be incredibly harmful to the individual. Because they think of themselves as a functioning alcoholic and mask their substance abuse disorder, they may not seek treatment. By learning how to recognize the signs of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in family members and friends, you can help your loved one take the first step on their sobriety journey.
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Defining Functioning Alcoholism: A Closer Look
Over the years, you have most likely heard a few common myths about functioning alcoholics. The following statements are just a few of the most common misconceptions that people have about this type of alcohol addiction.
- Functioning alcoholics never drink in the morning.
- They are aggressive.
- A functioning alcoholic doesn’t need treatment.
- Their alcohol addiction doesn’t impact their job, family life, or social obligations.
- A high-functioning alcoholic’s drinking habits are less severe than someone who is struggling to maintain a normal daily life.
A functioning alcoholic is the same as any other person who suffers from alcohol dependence. The only difference is that they are still able to mask their alcohol abuse well enough that they appear to be coping. In reality, they are likely missing appointments, underperforming on projects, and experiencing relationship issues because of their addiction. Even if they are able to mask their alcohol use today, their alcohol addiction will eventually take its toll.
As scientists have researched alcohol use disorders, they have come to the realization that alcohol addictions are best described as a spectrum disorder. In essence, this means that different people have varying severities of dependence and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism separates alcohol use disorder into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Colloquially, people refer to these parts of the spectrum as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and alcoholism.
Even if someone appears to be doing fine, there are still major long-term risk factors to functioning alcoholism. Over time, alcoholism can impact the individual’s relationships, health, and professional career. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment at a professional rehab facility if you or a loved one suffers from an alcohol use disorder.
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms
While people who are functioning alcoholics are often skilled at hiding their substance abuse, there are a few common indicators that they need help. From increased tolerance to defensiveness, the following symptoms mean that someone likely has an alcohol use disorder.
- Drinking alone: When someone knows that their drinking habits are excessive or abnormal, they will often try to hide them. Often, a major red flag is that they will start drinking in secret or alone.
- Social withdrawal: As the addiction becomes worse, your loved one may stop taking part in activities that don’t involve alcohol. Because they’re afraid of being judged for their alcohol abuse, they may also avoid social interactions.
- Increased tolerance: Over time, someone who suffers from an alcohol use disorder will develop a tolerance. Because their body is accustomed to their drinking habits, they need more alcohol to achieve the same results.
- Drinking to cope: The individual may use alcohol as a coping mechanism due to stress and negative emotions. If they have a mental health disorder, they may also use alcohol as a way to self-medicate to have their unique needs met.
- Focused on alcohol: Someone who has an alcohol use disorder may spend their time thinking about when they’ll drink next and planning out drinking-related events for the future.
- Neglected responsibilities: Eventually, alcohol will get in the way of work, family, and social activities. They may show up late, forget important events, or be uninterested in seeing friends they once cared for.
- Drinking justifications: Often, someone with an alcohol addiction will make excuses and try to rationalize their excessive drinking.
- Mood swings: You may notice the individual has more frequent mood swings. Irritability and mood swings will be especially obvious if they stop drinking.
- Defensiveness: When the individual is questioned about their drinking habits, they may become angry or defensive.
- Blackouts: Heavy drinking can often lead to blackouts and memory lapses. If you or a loved one frequently experiences blackouts, it’s time to get professional help from an addiction treatment center.
Physical Signs and Symptoms
In the United States, 28.9 people over the age of 12 experienced an alcohol use disorder during the last year. Unfortunately, only a portion of these individuals will be able to get the treatment they need. To find out if your loved one is one of these individuals, see if they exhibit any of the following signs or symptoms.
- Appearance: Drinking may cause flushed skin and bloodshot eyes. Depending on how it impacts their health, they may suddenly lose or gain weight.
- Digestive issues: Over time, drinking can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When someone has a dependence on alcohol, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. They may suffer from sweating, anxiety, and nausea when they quit drinking.
- Sleep problems: Alcohol can impact how well you sleep at night, so people who have alcohol use disorders often suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep.
- Hand tremors: Shaking and hand tremors may occur when the individual isn’t drinking. Because the individual can’t drink while they are sleeping, they may also suffer from hand tremors when they wake up in the morning as well.
Psychological Signs and Symptoms
While physical symptoms may be more apparent, there are also psychological warning signs that someone has a substance use disorder. Besides cravings and irritability when they aren’t using, they may suffer from feelings of guilt and shame because of their drinking. Additionally, they may struggle to concentrate or think clearly.
Alcohol use disorders often occur at the same time as anxiety and depression. While the mental health disorder can stem from the individual’s drinking, excessive drinking may also be an attempt to self-medicate for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Over time, alcohol abuse can affect all aspects of the individual’s daily life. At work and school, you may notice a decline in their normal performance.
The Impact on Relationships
Alcohol use disorders never affect just the individual. Over time, drinking behavior can cause a strain on interpersonal relationships. For example, loved ones may argue about the individual’s drinking. Forgetting appointments, stealing money to fuel their habit, and similar behaviors can also lead to conflict. Over time, many people become isolated and withdraw from their loved ones. If they do maintain a social circle, it will often consist of drinking buddies.
When Functioning Stops: The Inevitable Progression
Even if you or your loved one can remain functional for a while, alcohol use disorders tend to be progressive. This means that they will eventually become worse. Alcohol causes changes to the brain, which can make controlling alcohol consumption and maintaining a normal life impossible.
Eventually, drinking can cause the individual to lose their job. They may struggle with school or become unable to maintain relationships. Additionally, chronic drinking can lead to major health consequences.
Seeking Help and Treatment
If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol abuse, you don’t have to get help alone. At the Illinois Recovery Center, you can discover different treatment options and support groups. Each person is unique, so a good treatment center offers customized options. The following are just a few of the treatment options you may need during your rehab process.
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment programs
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis programs
- Family therapy
- Aftercare treatment
- Individual and group therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
Get Help for Alcohol Abuse
If you notice any of the previous signs in your loved one or yourself, it’s important to seek help right away. Ignoring the signs of functioning alcoholism will only allow the problem to grow worse. With the right support from inpatient treatment facilities, rehab centers, or outpatient treatment, you can get the specialized care you need to recover and begin your sobriety.
To learn more about the best treatment options for alcohol use disorders, reach out to Illinois Recovery Center.
FAQ
How to Wean Off Alcohol Safely
