Several Indications Of A High-Functioning-Alcoholic

While alcoholism is a disastrous condition that can destroy lives, some people who battle with it manage to hold down big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in good communities, and make a substantial income.

Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.

Listed below are some signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.

Alcoholics will often remove and replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as a reason to begin consuming alcohol.

2. They can wake up without a hangover, even after several drinks.

Drinking alcohol regularly over an extended period of time can cause the physical body to become dependent on alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics manage to drink a lot without the same hangover that tortures the not habitual drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often responds negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns change significantly while under the influence of alcohol.

When they drink, problem drinkers may transform dramatically. A typically mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.

Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not appear extremely drunk at the time, but they're not able to remember activities that occurred.


7. Attempts to discuss drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.

When faced with problems involving their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will generally regress to denial or hostility, making conversation difficult.

8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.


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If flat denial or aggression is not the opted for mode of evasion, most problem drinkers will have a seemingly reasonable explanation for their behavior. Anxiety and stress at work, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social functions are typical reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This sort of hidden drinking is a significant warning and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcoholism .

Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for dubious actions in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, and neighbors the assistance they need.

Symptoms of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.

Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive course.