Popular media often depicts people with alcoholism as homeless, hopeless, and unable to function. However, many people who meet the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism go to work, attend school, and function normally in daily life.
About one in five people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be high-functioning. People living with high-functioning alcoholism may struggle with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol but keep up with their responsibilities.
This article will explore high-functioning alcoholism. You will learn:
- What high-functioning alcoholism means
- The signs of alcohol addiction
- What happens during treatment for alcohol addiction
- Where to find treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol use disorder (AUD), you are not alone. Compassionate, effective care and support are available at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Understanding High-Functioning Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that includes alcohol abuse and addiction, or alcoholism. Living with alcohol dependence can impact every aspect of a person’s life. It can harm their emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, and daily functioning.
High-functioning alcoholism is a form of alcohol addiction. This condition occurs when a person is addicted to alcohol but can still function in their daily lives. People with high-functioning alcoholism often continue to work, go to school, care for family members, and more. Others may not immediately recognize their alcohol abuse, allowing it to occur for months or years.
But how does someone develop high-functioning alcoholism?
Alcohol dependence typically develops after long periods of heavy drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heavy drinking means having eight or more drinks per week for women or 15 or more drinks per week for men.
Regularly drinking more than the CDC recommends may lead to tolerance. Tolerance develops as the body adjusts to a specific amount of alcohol. As tolerance develops, people may find they need to drink more to feel alcohol’s effects.
Over time, tolerance may become so high that it takes a lot of alcohol to produce the effects. People may drink heavily most or all days as their body develops dependence. Once someone has developed dependence, they cannot simply choose to stop drinking. They typically require comprehensive treatment and continuing support to stop.
People with high-functioning alcoholism may be able to drink a lot without feeling or appearing intoxicated. However, people who drink heavily face higher risks of serious, long-term health complications, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Increased risk of certain cancers, including stomach, colon, throat, breast, and oral cancers
- Impaired immune system
- New and worsening mental health symptoms
People with alcohol addiction typically experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking. Some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. People must receive intensive support and treatment throughout detox to remain safe.
Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism
It can be challenging to identify high-functioning alcoholism. People struggling with high-functioning alcoholism may take care to hide their problematic drinking habits. Since they continue to work and function somewhat normally, problems can take a long time to surface.
However, there are some behaviors to watch for, including:
- Talking a lot about drinking
- Expressing excessive excitement or enthusiasm about drinking
- Having frequent hangovers
- Finishing other people’s drinks
- Engaging in uncharacteristic or sneaky behaviors
- Denying they have a drinking problem when confronted
- Downplaying how much they drink
- Justifying their drinking to others
- Drinking more after a traumatic event or during stressful periods
- Becoming heavily intoxicated at inappropriate times, such as weddings or family gatherings
Friends and family may also notice signs of their loved one’s drinking. This may include finding hidden liquor or empty bottles or discovering alcohol in water bottles or coffee cups.
People with high-functioning alcoholism may show signs of defensiveness or denial if others confront them about their drinking habits. Loved ones may consider staging an intervention to convince the high-functioning alcoholic to seek treatment.
How to Treat High-Functioning Alcoholism
People with high-functioning alcoholism require intensive, compassionate treatment. Treatment typically begins with a medical detox program. People live in the treatment facility and follow a tailored treatment plan that consists of:
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety during detox
- Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
- Yoga, mindfulness, nutrition therapy, and other forms of holistic support
After detox, people must receive comprehensive treatment to address the roots of their alcohol abuse. Comprehensive treatment plans may include:
- Medical treatment and medication management
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education and coping skills
- Holistic therapies like art therapy, exercise, nutrition counseling, mindfulness, and more
- Aftercare planning and support
People must stay active in recovery by following an aftercare plan. A supportive aftercare plan may include therapy, support groups, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, sober living, and other holistic community support.
Overcoming high-functioning alcoholism can be challenging. However, working with dedicated mental health and medical professionals in comprehensive treatment programs can help people overcome this condition and work toward long-term sobriety.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Researchers Identify Alcoholism Subtypes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Facts About Excessive Drinking
- NIH: The Risks Associated With Alcohol Use and Alcoholism