While alcohol dependence is a disastrous condition that can destroy lives, a number of people who struggle with it manage to keep big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholic s seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.

However, simply because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. For instance, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of causing terrible disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional path.

Here are a few clues that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.

Problem drinkers will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start drinking.

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

Drinking alcohol regularly over a substantial period of time can induce the body to become dependent on alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholic s are able to drink a lot without the same hangover that afflicts the not habitual drinker.

3. Abstaining makes them irritable, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her body commonly reacts negatively, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, and even seizures.

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

When they drink, problem drinkers may alter significantly. A generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.

5. addiction cannot have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has a problem quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze will never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.


6. Time spans of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.



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Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to recall activities that occurred.

7. Efforts to discuss drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.

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

8. They always have a good explanation for why they drink.

Most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or hostility is not the chosen method of evasion. addiction at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This type of hidden drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from alcoholism.

Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for dubious behavior to get these struggling coworkers, family members, and friends the help they need.

Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.