Also, if you seek help for yourself or a loved one early on, outpatient rehab can be effective. On the other hand, waiting may require a more intensive level of care. If you’re unsure where to begin, a primary care provider can be a good resource in the earliest stages of diagnosing an alcohol use disorder. A “high-functioning alcoholic” isn’t a medical diagnosis but is usually a reference to someone with mild or moderate AUD. Someone with functioning alcoholism is still meeting most or all of their responsibilities and obligations at home and work. The consequences of alcohol use aren’t as severe in someone with functioning alcoholism, at least not at the moment.

Strained Relationships

High-functioning alcoholics can benefit from having an at-home support system before, during and after any form of treatment for their addiction. There are hundreds of resources all over the country designed to address the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction. HFAs typically do not realize the extent to which their drinking affects others. The fact that they are “functioning” and able to go to work, excel in academics, provide for their family and still drink excessively feeds their denial. The Recovery Village Atlanta offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Recognizing the signs of high-functioning alcoholism is a crucial step in addressing alcohol use disorder.

What is a Functioning Alcoholic & What are the Risks?

But their behaviour can also be a cry for help – so if someone is ‘constantly justifying their drinking habits’ and ‘can’t just have one’, the expert reckons these are signs that they need some assistance. MAT treatment programs for AUD are designed to use certain FDA-approved medications high functioning alcoholic along with conventional behavioral therapy and/or counseling. Recognizing the problem is the first step—and it’s never too early to seek support.

• A diagnosis is based on how many symptoms you experience over the past 12 months, with 11 total criteria.
• Over time, alcoholism can take a serious toll on someone’s health and quality of life.
• If you give permission, they may speak to your family or loved ones regarding how much you drink.
• Finally, be willing to admit that you have a problem and firmly resolve to make a change in your life.

Medical Disclaimer

Additionally, individuals can opt into alcohol rehab programs that offer varying levels of care depending on the person’s unique needs. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the typical high-functioning alcoholic is a middle-aged, well-educated person with a stable job and a family. You might hear the term ‘currently functioning’ used to emphasise that a person’s ability to function right now is unlikely to last.

The Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Regular heavy drinking can lead to blackouts or forgetfulness after a night of drinking. A high-functioning alcoholic may not remember conversations, events, or how much they drank the night before. To maintain their image, high-functioning alcoholics may drink in secret, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ stash alcohol in unusual places, or hide the true amount they consume. The National Institutes of Health has determined that a functioning alcoholic is a specific subtype of alcoholism. Department of Health and Human Services calculated that functioning alcoholics make up almost 20% of the alcoholic population. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

They’ll be able to continue doing many of their daily tasks like going to work and looking after family members. Recognizing the signs early and seeking help for alcohol addiction treatment can prevent these adverse outcomes and pave the way toward recovery. Approaching a high-functioning alcoholic about their drinking can be delicate. Because they often don’t display the same “classic” signs of alcoholism and might have strong defenses, confrontation can elicit denial or anger. However, there are effective strategies for guiding them toward the help they need. The distinction between high-functioning and non-high-functioning alcoholism largely comes down to how each individual manages daily tasks and responsibilities.

How Does a Person Become a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

It’s just that some people are able to hide it better – and that’s a dangerous game. Unfortunately, not only is it possible, but it is likely happening more often than you think. One key way to link a functioning alcoholic to their addiction is by looking at the quantity of consumption. Men who consume 10 or more drinks per week and women who consume at least 7 alcoholic drinks per week are alcoholism treatment considered alcoholics, according to the U.S.

• The above symptoms can be true for anyone dealing with alcohol use disorder.
• We understand that addiction affects everyone differently, which is why we use evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches in our treatment plans.
• HFAs may provide the main source of income for a family and therefore the spouse or partner may not feel that they have the leverage to persuade the HFA to get help.
• You, too, might realize that your relationship with alcohol is negatively affecting your life.
• Clearly communicate that you will no longer participate in or excuse their harmful patterns.

Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment

While traditional alcoholics may face obvious disruptions in their daily lives due to alcohol consumption, high-functioning alcoholics typically keep these disruptions concealed. They often display a high tolerance for alcohol, masking the extent of their dependency by maintaining outward appearances of success. Perhaps the most difficult component of managing a high-functioning alcoholic is their belief that there isn’t a problem. They’re doing fine at work, school and home, so they believe they’re controlling their drinking. Some may even believe a couple of drinks a day is necessary to manage stress.

Conditions We Treat

When he is sober, tell him that you are concerned about his drinking and the impact it is having on your family, and encourage him to seek treatment at a qualified rehab facility. It may be a source of enlightenment to him just how far-reaching his alcohol abuse has become. However, if your husband is in denial about the extent of his drinking, then he may not be ready or willing to consider seeking treatment.

What if your loved one refuses?

Increased tolerance and dependency often mean that drinking will spiral out of control eventually, leading to severe consequences like job loss or legal trouble. High-functioning alcoholics often rely on alcohol as part of their routine. They may make excuses for drinking regularly, like “I deserve it” or “It’s just one glass.” Over time, this regular consumption worsens into dependency. Maintaining an outwardly stable life while grappling with an inner battle against alcohol dependence is what makes high-functioning alcoholism so complex and dangerous. Without intervention, the façade of control will eventually crack, leading to consequences that affects every aspect of their lives. On the surface, these individuals seem to defy the traditional image of alcoholism.