Many of us are used to the idea that an alcoholic is a person who leads an antisocial lifestyle. He is constantly drunk, has a few odd jobs, and looks unkempt. But how do you react to the fact that about 20% of Americans look like normal people, but suffer from alcohol addiction? They are also called functioning alcoholics. In this article, we’ll detail why high functioning alcoholics exist, what the long-term dangers are, and what steps their loved ones should take now.
If you feel that your relatives are abusing alcohol, you should not turn a blind eye to the problem. Before it’s too late, you need to take action. Find the strength to convince the addicted person to take the first step toward recovery. Seek help at New Breath Recovery. All conditions have been created here to provide effective alcohol addiction treatment. Rehab patients live in comfortable single or double rooms, have access to recreational areas and are under 24-hour supervision of medical staff.
Who Are Functioning Alcoholics?
Here is the NIAAA definition of a high-functioning alcoholic: it is a person who is middle-aged, has a good education, is employed, and has a family. About 30% of such people have or had alcohol-dependent people among their relatives, 25% suffer from depression, and half are smokers.
Actual, functioning, high-functioning alcoholics — all of these are not some kind of medical diagnosis. They are people who suffer from alcohol addiction. The only difference from classic alcoholics is that from the looks of it, they lead normal lives without noticeable damage to family, work or school.
Such people live among us. It can be your loved one or neighbor who is addicted to beer or stronger drinks. He is always cheerful and seems like a nice guy. He seems to be doing well and the slight odor of alcohol is not much of a problem. But what does it really mean to be a functional alcoholic?
Such people drink more than the so-called “moderate” dose: no more than one drink for women and two drinks for men. Their body copes with the effects of alcohol through functional tolerance, by which it is able to resist large doses without becoming severely intoxicated or poisoned. This is often presented as a superpower: a person looks strong in the eyes of his friends because he is able to drink more than others, while still being able to work. But the psychoactive substance does its job, and it is only a matter of time before the poison leads to a noticeable deterioration of health.
Signs and Symptoms of a Functioning Alcoholic
How do you realize that there really is a problem that will cause serious chronic disease in the long run? What does a functioning alcoholic look like?
The fact is that abusive people may not look any different from those who do not drink alcohol. But it is still possible to notice a certain difference. It is especially obvious for people close to them.
Signs of a functioning alcoholic:
- drinks every day, not necessarily a lot;
- may drink alcohol alone;
- alcohol acts as a reward for some achievement, as a means to build social bonds, as a cure for stress, depression or anxiety;
- expensive alcohol is often chosen, which is used as an argument for the absence of addiction;
- irritability and aggression after giving up alcohol for more than one day;
- defensive stance at any attempts by others to talk about alcohol problems;
- secretly drinking alcohol.
Functional alcoholics need to drink more than other people to feel drunk. In this case, the interruption of a binge is accompanied by withdrawal symptoms: tremors, nausea, headaches, insomnia, etc.
Due to the fact that the consequences of alcohol abuse are not fully manifested, active alcoholics often deny the fact of addiction at all. It can be very difficult to prove to them the seriousness of the problem. They brag about their financial solvency, their ability to pay all their bills, their many friends and good jobs, and their lack of health problems.
Who is a functioning alcoholic can tell only a close person who is always around. Often these are co-dependents who feel powerless and unable to influence the treatment decision. To achieve results, experts advise that the relatives of the addict should first be counseled by substance abuse disorder specialists.
The Risks and Consequences of Functioning Alcoholism
Functional alcoholism is one of the most deceptive and dangerous forms of alcohol addiction. People who suffer from it often appear successful and in control — they hold down jobs, take care of their families, and lead seemingly normal lives. All 7 myths about alcoholism are relevant to them. However, underneath this facade, alcohol gradually takes over, affecting their health, emotions and relationships.
The consequences may not be immediate, but they are inevitable:
- alcohol gradually destroys the body, leading to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and a weakened immune system. The effects may not be noticeable at first, but they accumulate over time;
- alcohol may seem like an escape from stress, but it increases anxiety, depression and emotional instability. What starts out as a way to “relax” can turn into an emotional prison;
- many functional alcoholics convince themselves that they can quit at any time. In reality, their addiction grows stronger and it becomes increasingly difficult to break free;
- alcohol can undermine trust and bonding with loved ones. Over time, misunderstandings, conflicts, and emotional distance replace real relationships;
- alcohol gradually affects decision-making, concentration and productivity, eventually leading to career failure.
No one can get rid of the effects of alcohol forever. Over time, hidden risks turn into real problems:
- the body adapts, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect, making the addiction even stronger;
- what once seemed like harmless drinking turns into chronic illnesses and serious medical conditions;
- DUI charges, reckless behavior, and ruined reputations can have long-term consequences;
- frequent mood swings, irritability and even aggression become more prominent, making personal and professional life more difficult.
Acting alcoholics think they are fine, they often don’t seek help until it’s too late.
How to Help a Functioning Alcoholic
People with addiction rarely realize the need for treatment on their own. Usually it requires the onset of tangible health consequences. But if there are people around who wish the alcoholic well, it is possible to get out of the situation with less loss.
The most difficult thing is to get the alcoholic to accept the problem. He must realize that there is addiction, that it is not normal and shortens his life. How to do this? It is better to answer how it should not be done.
You shouldn’t pressure the person, try to make them feel guilty. Conversely, you should not encourage drinking, mitigate the effects of alcoholism, and solve problems for the alcoholic. He should feel discomfort with his situation and strive to manage the situation on his own.
Leading psychotherapists advise to show care and compassion. But it must be remembered that there are no universal methods. The only important thing is to reach the mind of the alcoholic and bring him or her to the first consultation with a doctor.
New Breath Recovery — is an alcohol addiction rehab in California where you can always count on receiving qualified help. After an evaluation, the doctor will create an individualized treatment plan that includes detoxification and a range of therapies aimed at teaching patients to cope without the use of substances. Our treatment center is distinguished by comfort and high level of service. All patients are safe and secure under the round-the-clock supervision of medical staff.
Conclusion
Now you know what it means to be a functional alcoholic. Take a closer look at your family and friends. Perhaps one of them is already in need of help. You will be doing them an invaluable service if you can find a way to convince them that they have an alcohol addiction and begin recovery in an outpatient setting or rehab center.