Statistics show that every day, 385 Americans die as a result of excessive alcohol use1, most of whom do not get treatment since they don’t show the typical signs of alcohol addiction. This is known as high-functioning alcoholism, and some signs of it include ignoring their drinking habits, being responsible even when binge drinking, relying on alcohol to cope with problems, having a high tolerance, and more.
Even when alcohol doesn’t seem to be ruining your life, it is bringing you one step closer to dependency and possible overdose. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol use disorder, Nurture Nexus Recovery Center has a professional alcohol addiction treatment program that can help.
What is a Functioning Alcoholism?
High-functioning alcoholism is a state of alcohol use disorder where the patient has a high tolerance for alcohol abuse but doesn’t show the typical signs needed to be diagnosed with a disorder or an addiction.2
When you encounter a high-functioning alcoholic, you might notice that they drink a lot, but it doesn’t seem to impact their life or health as much as it should. For many high-functioning alcoholics, it is easy to maintain their responsibilities and carry on with their lives. However, even if alcohol addiction isn’t taking its toll on them at present, the situation can get out of hand.
5 Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic
Since it is relatively hard to identify a functioning alcoholic, here are five signs to look out for:
1. Relying on Alcohol to Cope
Individuals with high-functioning alcoholism tend to consume large amounts of alcohol when stressed. They may not seem like they’re drinking bottle after bottle, but you will often see them nursing a drink throughout the day. If they find themselves in a stressful situation where they do not have a drink, then they will go out of their way to procure one.
2. Downplaying Drinking habits
“I don’t have a drinking problem, I just enjoy alcohol” is one of the most common phrases you will hear from a high-functioning alcoholic. When confronted with their addiction, they will claim they don’t have a drinking problem and will give examples of their responsible behavior to make a point.
3. Maintaining Responsibilities Despite Drinking
One of the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder is being unable to maintain responsibilities and social relationships. However, high-functioning alcoholics can easily continue with their work, studies, and home life without any major issues.3 This can make it difficult for friends and family to know when to plan an alcohol intervention before the situation becomes serious.
4. Developing a High Tolerance
Tolerance is defined as the body’s ability to adjust to the side effects of excessive alcohol consumption and continue functioning normally. Most high-functioning alcoholics have a high tolerance, which means they have to consume larger amounts of alcohol to feel intoxicated.
5. Personality or Mood Changes
Although high-functioning alcoholics don’t show consistent changes in behavior like those addicted to alcohol, they may have mood swings or personality changes when they can’t drink. You’d find them to be easily irritable, snappy, and even unpleasant to be around until they’ve had a drink.
Alarming Signs For A Functioning Alcoholic To Get Help
Knowing when to get help for high-functioning alcoholism can be tricky since most people are unable to realize when they have a problem.4 Some warning signs include:
- Inability to control or lessen alcohol consumption
- Feeling a strong urge to consume alcoholic drinks
- Inability to cope with daily life without getting drunk
- Relying on alcohol to feel calm and at ease in life
- Disregarding the general restrictions on alcohol consumption
- Risky behavior such as drinking & driving or operating machinery
If you feel any of the signs above apply to you, even when they aren’t impacting you financially, personally, or socially, you should consider getting help for your drinking problem at your nearest alcohol addiction treatment facility.
Our Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options In Texas
Alcohol addiction is treated through a combination of psychotherapy approaches such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and group therapy, along with FDA-approved medication such as Naltrexone or Disulfiram.5
When finding an alcohol addiction treatment center, make sure the treatment options include:
Outpatient Program
A standard outpatient program is ideal for anyone with mild alcoholism looking to check themselves into a low-intensity treatment. It works best for people who have a stable living environment and aren’t at risk of overdose.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive outpatient programs are a step up from standard options as they provide structured treatment of 1-3 hour sessions every day of the week. They can also be scheduled in the evenings or on weekends.
Partial Hospitalization Program
If your alcohol use disorder has started to cause medical issues, a partial hospitalization program will work best for you. It includes rigorous sessions every day of the week, which are also coupled with medical supervision.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment is the preferred method for individuals whose alcohol use disorder co-exists with mental health conditions and personality disorders. Our medical team uses FDA-approved medication to manage symptoms and relies on psychotherapy and behavioral therapy to correct alcohol addiction.6
Why You Should Consider a 30-Day Alcohol Rehab
For most people with functioning alcoholism, a 30-day alcohol rehab program with intensive sessions is enough to make a visible change. Not only does it help manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but it also improves chances of lasting recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.7
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms a Functioning Alcoholic Might Experience
The most common withdrawal symptoms8 experienced by functioning alcoholics are:
- Mood swings
- General Irritability
- Headaches and confusion
- Excessive sweating
- High blood pressure
- Sleep deprivation
- Loss of appetite
Expert Opinion on Functioning Alcoholism
Functioning alcoholics tend to believe they don’t have a problem since they can’t see any way in which alcohol is negatively affecting their lives. But, it doesn’t take long for the health and psychological side effects associated with alcohol addiction to kick in, causing a decline in wellness and issues such as fatty liver, mental health problems, and stomach problems. Therefore, if you know someone who you suspect has a drinking problem, always reach out and help them consider treatment.
Dr. Oluwole Popoola
How a 30-Day Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program in Texas Can Help
The general timeline of a 30-day alcohol rehab program9 is:
Week 1: Successful detox from alcohol and managed withdrawal symptoms.
Week 2: Medication management to address prolonged side effects coupled with intensive therapy sessions to identify triggers.
Week 3: Psychotherapy approaches to change addictive behavior and teach responsible coping mechanisms that reduce your alcohol dependence.
Week 4: Focus on relapse prevention and skill building for managing recovery after the treatment and avoiding peer pressure.
Eliminate Alcoholism Before It Takes Over Your Life With Nurture Nexus Recovery
Are you ready to begin your journey towards wellness and a life free from alcohol addiction? Nurture Nexus Recovery offers expert alcohol addiction treatment solutions that are tailored to your symptoms and addiction history.
No matter how well-functioning your alcohol addiction may be, our medical team helps correct addictive behavior and promote lifelong recovery. All of our treatment options are fully insured, so call us today at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Health Risks Of Being A Functioning Alcoholic?
Being a functioning alcoholic comes with many health risks. Continuous drinking can damage the liver and impact mental health. You may also slow down your metabolism and develop what is known as an ‘alcohol face’.
Do Functioning Alcoholics Always Need Rehab?
Yes, rehab and treatment are necessary for all functioning alcoholics, as their addiction is just as risky as any other regular one.
Can You Be An Alcoholic And Still Have A Successful Career?
Many functioning alcoholics tend to have perfect professional lives and careers, but having an active addiction always puts that at risk. It is only a matter of time before the alcoholism gets out of hand.
Additional Resources
- Expert’s Guide To Finding the Best Alcohol Addiction Treatment Near You
- What To Look For in a 30 Day Alcohol Rehab Near You
- How To Find the Best Austin Alcohol Treatment Centers
- Taking Trazodone And Alcohol Together? Know The Potential Dangers
- Can You Take Prednisone and Alcohol Together? Interactions, Metabolism, and Safety
