Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Someone identified as a high-functioning alcoholic may excel at work or school, have good relationships with everyone, and appear to have their lives under control. Sometimes, functional alcoholics will even thrive in life—for a time. That’s because a high-functioning alcoholic’s drinking habits are somewhat different from the norm.

What is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

First, let’s have a close look at alcohol addiction disorder. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 30 million people in the US have or have had an alcohol use disorder. In alcohol use disorder, a person develops a harmful pattern of alcohol consumption. They become unable to function without having alcohol in their systems, even though they’re aware that alcohol is destroying their lives.

High-functioning alcoholism, also called functional alcoholism, is a form of alcohol use disorder in which an individual has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol without as many negative life consequences. A high-functioning alcoholic can keep a job and fulfill family and social responsibilities while still consuming alcohol in higher or more frequent amounts than recommended. It is estimated that 19.5% of alcoholics in the US are high-functioning alcoholics.

Some common characteristics of high-functioning alcoholics are listed below. While this list is based on typical traits in this population, not identifying with these characteristics certainly does not exclude you from suffering from high-functioning alcoholism.

Identifying the High-Functioning Alcoholic

Many of the following signs and symptoms apply to all types of alcohol abuse. Because high-functioning alcoholics can behave normally in their day-to-day lives, picking up on the presence of this alcohol use disorder can be difficult. Some common signs of high-functioning alcoholism include:

• Replacing eating with drinking. High-functioning alcoholics don’t eat much. Alcohol is high in sugar but also irritates the entire digestive tract.
• Binge drinking. Binge drinkers consume their alcohol all at once. A person who binges might not have a single drink during the week but drink heavily on weekends. Of course, binge drinking puts a person at high risk for alcohol poisoning.
• Justifying their drinking. This is one of the red flags of functional alcoholism. High-functioning alcoholics may attribute their drinking to reward/celebration or as a response to stress at work, business at home, etc.

• Secrecy. High-functioning alcoholics may hide their alcohol in places like the garage or the car. They also hide the amount of alcohol they drink.
• Unusual drinking patterns. Drinking alcohol alone, secretly, or at unconventional times (in the morning, at work, etc.).
• Drinking as a stress reliever. Alcohol becomes their go-to stress reliever and only coping mechanism.
• Increased tolerance to alcohol. They need to drink more to achieve the same effect. Tolerance and dependence are among the most common signs of addiction for all types of substance abuse but seem to occur more slowly for high-functioning alcoholics.

• Feelings of shame. Secrecy is a characteristic of all types of alcoholism, but it’s particularly significant for functional alcoholics. Someone with high-functioning alcoholism often feels shame or remorse when their behavior is poor after drinking.
• They compartmentalize their lives. Another of the most severe red flags is that those with high-functioning alcoholism can separate their drinking from other parts of their life. Who they are when they’re at home, work, or with casual acquaintances is entirely different from who they are when they’re in the routine of drinking.

The Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Because high-functioning alcoholics can keep up appearances in their lives, people don’t see the person as an alcoholic. Keeping a job and fulfilling family responsibilities relieves high-functioning alcoholics of many negative consequences that more severe alcoholics experience.

However, this does not mean that terrible consequences will never come. For functional alcoholics, negative outcomes will eventually show up; they’re just a little slower in arriving than for other people suffering from alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

That’s because alcoholism is progressive. All alcoholics will need to drink more and more to get the same effects. In time, they must keep drinking just to avoid going into withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol can be painful and life-threatening.

Even if a functional alcoholic keeps consuming the same excessive amount, heavy drinking damages every organ in the body. In time, damage from drinking adds up to life-threatening illnesses. At this point, a person addicted to alcohol cannot hide their condition.

Causes and Risk Factors for Developing High-Functioning Alcoholism

• Starting to drink while young.
• Binge drinking more than 5 drinks a day.
• Genetics and family history of alcohol use disorder, especially a parent or sibling.
• Heavy alcohol consumption for an extended period
• High levels of stress or mental distress that you do not seek support for
• Depression and other mental health disorders. Those with a mental health disorder are at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder. They also have a higher likelihood of their alcoholism worsening if left untreated.

How to Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic

If you believe someone you know may be suffering from high-functioning alcoholism, you may be able to help. The first step in recovery is accepting there is a problem, so start by having an open and honest conversation with your loved one. Approach the topic with concern and compassion, not judgment.

It’s a good idea to have the contact information of a treatment center close at hand when you speak with your loved one. They may want to start the healing process immediately.

NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana can help you or your loved one begin your recovery journey. Regardless of how your loved one responds to your concerns, having a conversation and providing them with alcohol addiction treatment center resources is a significant first step toward recovery.

Treatment Options for High-Functioning Alcoholics

NuLife Behavioral Health Indianapolis is a premier treatment facility that offers a wide array of services and levels of care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Their approach combines evidence-based therapies with holistic healing techniques, ensuring you receive the most effective alcohol treatment possible. Here’s a snapshot of some of the substance abuse treatment options available:

• Personalized Counseling. Individual therapy sessions with a licensed professional help you explore the root issues contributing to your addiction.
• Group Therapy. Sharing experiences and coping mechanisms with others facing similar challenges helps long-term recovery.
• Family Involvement. Addiction impacts not just the individual but also their family. Family therapy aims to mend these relationships and involve family members in recovery.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is a highly effective behavioral therapy rooted in the idea that everyone has patterns of thinking that influence emotions and behaviors. Sometimes, these patterns become so ingrained and damaging that we stop seeing situations clearly. CBT helps you recognize and change habitual, harmful ways of thinking.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT helps people learn to regulate their emotions and manage stress. DBT also teaches mindfulness skills.
• Experiential Therapies. Besides traditional therapies, NuLife offers alternative treatments like art and music therapy.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Designed for those who need a higher level of care but can’t commit to full-time inpatient rehab. IOP participants can stay involved in all their activities of daily life while still participating in all outpatient treatment programs.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Ideal for those who have completed inpatient treatment but still require intensive therapy and medical oversight. PHP requires 4 to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, unlike inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization participants go home after therapy.
• Dual Diagnosis. Dual diagnosis refers to specialized treatment for people who are experiencing alcohol addiction and mental illness at the same time. Individually tailored treatment plans are available for those dealing with mental health conditions alongside substance abuse.
• Relapse Prevention. Strategies to prevent relapse are integrated into all levels of care at NuLife, including education on triggers and coping mechanisms.
• Insurance Assistance: NuLife offers insurance verification services to help you understand your coverage, how to pay for treatment, and any potential costs.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a group support system focusing on a 12-step process of making personal changes that encourage sobriety.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for disorders often accompanying addiction, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS has also been used to reduce cravings for alcohol.

The Bottom Line

Alcohol use disorder is a disease impacting millions of people in the US every year. While high-functioning alcoholics are just a portion of the people who suffer from this disorder, their difficulties are just as significant. Although high-functioning alcoholics can maintain an everyday life while drinking, regular heavy drinking can still have negative consequences.

If you or someone you know is struggling with high-functioning alcoholism, treatment options are available. NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana in the Indianapolis metro area is here to provide the resources and support you need to move forward in your recovery.