What type of person do you imagine when you hear the word alcoholic? Someone who is at a bar every day or always drinking by themselves at home? The picture most of us have is probably someone who is constantly drunk and can’t function in day-to-day life.
The fact is that many alcoholics have steady jobs and go about their lives like most of us. They’re known as high-functioning alcoholics and sometimes they are difficult to identify and help. The problem with a high-functioning alcoholic is that they may disrupt the workplace or endanger the lives of their family, friends and society.
Imagine a father picking up his sons from football practice after a long lunch with co-workers that turned into several drinks; he’s not only putting his kids at risk but also other drivers. Another example is a high-functioning alcoholic doctor who suddenly finds his hands shaking uncontrollably in the middle of a surgery.
High-functioning alcoholics suffer the same risks as anyone abusing alcohol; poor judgment, concentration and decision making. There are also physical effects on organs like the liver.
If you think a loved one or friend might be a high-functioning alcoholic, here are some behavioral clues so you can help them get professional help in battling their addiction:
1. One Drink Turns into a Party
A high-functioning alcoholic will say that they are only going to have one or two drinks, then end up drinking much more. This usually happens at social activities like meals in restaurants or catching up with friends at home.
2. Denial of Things They Have Said or Done
Blackouts can be a common occurrence. Blackouts can affect the memory and the person can appear to be functioning as if on auto-pilot and not completely intoxicated, but the following day that person will not remember events or things they said or did.
3. Jokes About Drinking
A big sign that someone is a high functioning alcoholic is how they will go out of their way to joke about drinking to make light of how much they are consuming. Sometimes they will even joke with others about not being able to drink as much as they can.
4. Making Excuses for Why They Drink
Stress at work, dealing with overwhelming children or simply that they’ve had a bad day; these are all the reasons for drinking from a high-functioning alcoholic.
5. Hiding Their Drinking
They will conceal their drinking so you don’t see how much they are actually drinking. They may have bottles hidden in places like the car or desk at work. A sure sign that they are addicted to alcohol is hiding their drinking.
5. Meal Replacement
Many high-functioning alcoholics are more interested in ordering more alcohol instead of eating the food at meals. Medical research has shown chronic alcohol abuse may result in a loss of appetite or failure to identify hunger.
6. Change in Character/Behavior
If someone you’ve known for a long time is suddenly acting different, more outgoing or perhaps more aggressive than usual, it may be because they are a high-functioning alcoholic. Alcohol tends to bring out certain behavior in people which can range from being more social to easily angered and violent.
Do these behavioral clues help you identify someone you know as a high-functioning alcoholic? If so, then you might be able to help them discover the reason behind their drinking and perhaps help them get the professional help they need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, we are here to help! Please contact us online here or call us at (760) 342-6616.
