Are You a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

Most people have a certain preconceived idea of what an alcoholic looks like - unkempt appearance, bad skin, bloodshot eyes, and the general inability to keep it together. It's those people we see in the movies who slur their words and create chaos every time they get alcohol in their system.

That's probably why you think to yourself that there's no way you're an alcoholic. You compare yourself to the common stereotypes and feel a bit relieved that you're not a total mess. But do you know that just because you don't fit these stereotypes doesn't mean you don't have a problem with alcohol?

Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD can manifest in different ways. Just because you're not brawling in bars or blacking out during the weekends, that does not cover up your alcohol problems. In fact, you might be what we call a high-functioning alcoholic.

What is a high-functioning alcoholic?

A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who has a dependency on alcohol, but manages to maintain their job, relationships, and other responsibilities. They may appear to have their life together on the surface, but they use alcohol as a way to cope with stress or emotions. Unlike stereotypical alcoholics, high-functioning alcoholics may not exhibit obvious signs of problem drinking.

They may hide their drinking habits from others and be able to hold it together in public. This makes it difficult for them to recognize that they have a problem and seek help.

There are many high-functioning alcoholics in different industries. In stressful corporate environments like finance and law, alcohol is often used as a way to relax or cope with pressure. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of using alcohol to manage stress and then becoming dependent on it.

Signs of high-functioning alcoholism

How do you know that you're a high functioning alcoholic? Are there subtle signs that can clue you in regarding this condition? Does being able to hold it together not enough to show you don't have an alcohol problem.

You'll be surprised that the signs of being a high-functioning alcoholic are more common than you might think. A lot of people think that they're just "social drinkers" or that their drinking is normal. But here are some signs that you might be a high-functioning alcoholic:

1. You deny that you have a drinking problem even if you and your loved ones know that the amount of alcohol you are consuming is not normal anymore. For instance, an average person will drink two glasses of wine during dinner, but you drink double or triple that amount at the same time.

2. You cover up the amount of alcohol you're drinking. You minimize it by saying you just had two drinks when in fact, you already had more.

3. You continue drinking even if you are aware that it's already affecting your health, work, and personal relationships. Even if your doctor or your partner is already telling you that your alcohol consumption is too much, you keep on drinking thinking that you can still manage.

4. You always have a justification why you deserve one more drink. Whether it's a celebration, a gathering, or simply a stressful day, you always have an excuse to drink more.

5. You refuse to get help even if it's obvious that your drinking is already getting out of control.

Dangers of being a high functioning alcoholic

Some people think that being a high-functioning alcoholic is better than being a total mess. Isn't it better to still manage your alcohol use than just being completely wasted all the time? It might seem so much better when you put it this way, but the reality is that there are also dangers of being a high-functioning alcoholic.

One of the more serious risks is not being able to get help. Because you don't seem like what people think alcoholics look like, this could put you in denial of needing help. Therefore, instead of addressing the problem, your condition just spirals down further.

Another danger is that you are not able to see the full extent of the damage that alcohol is doing to your body and overall well-being. High-functioning alcoholics may still be able to perform daily tasks, but this doesn't mean that their bodies are not suffering from the effects of excessive drinking. It can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and even mental health issues.

Best alcohol addiction rehab in Anaheim, California

At Anaheim Lighthouse, we have the best alcohol rehab in Southern California. Our expert specialists can assist you in customizing a treatment program that will suit your individual condition. No addiction story is the same, that's why we will make sure we listen to you and work with you to make sure your treatment plan is tailored to your needs.