While alcohol dependence is a devastating illness that can destroy lives, a few people who battle with it manage to hold down big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in good neighborhoods, and make a significant income.
But unfortunately, simply because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large sums of money are each at-risk of inducing terrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Listed below are a number of clues that can really help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They consume alcohol in place of eating food.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as an excuse to begin drinking.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after several drinks.
Drinking alcohol regularly over an extended period of time can cause the body to become dependent on alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a good deal without having the same hangover that torments the random drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them irritable, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her physical body commonly responds adversely, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can cause tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns change significantly while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, alcoholics may alter dramatically. For example, a typically pleasant person may become belligerent, or make impetuous choices.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has difficulties quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.
6. Periods of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the next day.
how long can hangovers last may not seem extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're unable to recall events that took place.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with issues surrounding their drinking, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making conversation difficult.
8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.
Most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the chosen method of evasion. Stress at work, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They hide their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This kind of covert alcohol consumption is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcoholism.
Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable actions to get these troubled coworkers, family members, and neighbors the assistance they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier managing considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive path.