Indeed, he or she believes that drinking doesn’t affect his or her behavior, that they’ve got it under control. What often happens, however, particularly if this self-deception goes on for some time, is that the high-functioning alcoholic gets drunk when he or she doesn’t intend to. If you are the loved one, family member, friend or co-worker of a high-functioning alcoholic, don’t enable their drinking behavior. Remind them of obligations, an early meeting, the kids’ soccer game, a family dinner.
Spending Addiction
The term “high functioning” refers to the fact that these individuals can maintain their daily lives without the typical disruptions seen in more severe cases of alcoholism. They may avoid the legal and social consequences that often come with heavy drinking, such as arrests for drunk driving or public intoxication. However, this ability to “function” should not be mistaken for an absence of problems. Over time, the toll on their physical and mental health becomes more evident, and their ability to manage life’s responsibilities may begin to erode. Surveys suggest that one in eight individuals in the United States are alcoholics. When most people picture such “alcoholics,” they imagine someone so intoxicated that they cannot maintain a job or healthy relationships because of their relentless drinking habits.
What Part Does Denial Play in Alcoholism?
For this reason, it is hard to determine exactly how many people might have high-functioning AUD. Genetic or environmental factors can cause high-functioning alcoholism. For example, a family history of alcoholism or a stressful environment. Although a person with high-functioning alcoholism may appear fine, they are not.
Living with a High-Functioning Alcoholic: Signs and Support
Instead, the DSM-5 has established AUD as the term to replace previous stigmatizing terms such as alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism. Unfortunately, many high-functioning alcoholics tend to believe they don’t need treatment. They might also functional alcoholic husband isolate themselves from other people to spend time drinking alone. Because of this appearance, their problem doesn’t seem as severe as other types of alcoholism. If it’s time to seek help, contact us to learn about our treatment approach and facilities.
Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)7 is the oldest and most widely-recognized 12-step group and has millions of members worldwide. There’s strength in the 12-step community where each member is committed to helping fellow members achieve and maintain their sobriety as well as their own. Getting a sponsor and beginning work on the steps is an integral part of effective recovery. Don’t ever believe that you can confront a high-functioning alcoholic about his or her drinking on the spot and not witness an angry reaction. Whether veiled and courteous or peppered with expletives, angry verbal outbursts—or physical attacks—on the part of the high functioning alcoholic occur when they’re challenged about their drinking habits. It’s best to wait until they are sober and then broach the subject with tact, respect and forearmed with facts.
What are the signs of AUD?
- For example, a family history of alcoholism or a stressful environment.
- Those closest to the high-functioning alcoholic find themselves making excuses for his or her behavior.
- 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.
- While many who suffer from alcohol abuse follow this pattern, not all do.
