The effects of alcohol abuse will display differently in different people. High-functioning alcoholics maintain jobs and relationships, have families and do not appear negatively affected by their alcohol consumption. Although they require alcohol to function, they do not display the same symptoms commonly associated with alcoholics, such as drinking every day or difficulties with work and relationships.
As the time it takes to build a physiological tolerance to alcohol can vary, functioning alcoholics may be able to continue for years without major issues. This means a functioning alcoholic can be very difficult to spot, as, on the surface, their drinking does not seem to be having a negative impact on their daily lives. Another issue is that high-functioning alcoholics often fail to recognise they have a problem with alcohol until issues arise. This could be health issues, such as liver damage, or when cracks begin to show at work or in personal relationships.
The negative impact of alcohol abuse may take longer to become apparent; however, functioning alcoholics are still suffering from alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and will usually require professional help to give up alcohol. Here are the common signs and symptoms that could indicate someone you care about may be a functioning alcoholic or could be abusing alcohol.
Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic
Over time, signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic will begin to add up. If someone you care about is struggling with any of these signs, they could be a functioning alcoholic:
- Gradually increasing how much they drink on a daily basis.
- Binge drinking.
- Drinking during the day, when at work or fulfilling family responsibilities.
- Finding reasons for having a drink.
- Drinking expensive alcohol such as quality spirits or wine.
- Always drinking alcohol when out socialising and not wanting to socialise if there won’t be an opportunity to drink alcohol.
- Making jokes or playing down how much or how often they drink alcohol.
- Changes in mood after drinking.
- Hiding alcohol in the house.
- Promising to cut down on alcohol and not doing it.
- Becoming agitated if they don’t have alcohol in the house.
- Drinking instead of talking or doing activities with a partner or family members.
- Feeling unwell more often and calling into work sick.
- Sudden issues at work or in a relationship.
- Insomnia or waking in the night or early in the morning.
- Avoiding physical activities.
Although the above signs may seem minor when isolated, when they begin to add up, they become easier to spot. Signs of a functioning alcoholic can differ; they could drink daily or just drink heavily a couple of times a week. Alcohol might change their behaviour temporarily or, seemingly, not at all. Keeping a notebook with any signs you notice can be really helpful to determine if there are multiple and consistent signs of alcohol abuse.
Supporting Loved Ones with Alcoholism
A common misconception is that a functioning alcoholic does not need support or help because they seem to be living a conventional life and appear normal. This is not the case, as even though they may not feel they are an alcoholic, stopping drinking without medical supervision can be dangerous. But before someone agrees to have treatment, they need to accept they have a problem. This is why supporting a functioning alcoholic to get help can be extremely challenging.
There are four strategies that can help if you want to speak with someone about their alcohol use:
- Try to speak to them when they have not been drinking. If you don’t know if they have been drinking, approach them when they seem calm and explain that you would like a chat.
- Try not to focus on their drinking or get angry; instead, explain why you are concerned and what is causing those concerns.
- Instead of demanding they drink less or be more responsible for their behaviour, tell them how you feel.
- If the person you are speaking with becomes angry, explain that you know they may be finding it hard to cope with everything in their lives and walk away.
Just letting them know you want to help and that you do not judge them can be enough to admit to themselves they have a problem.
Am I a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
Drinking alcohol is an accepted part of everyday life, and it can be hard to know if you drink too much or too often when your life seems unaffected. If you are unsure if you could be a high functioning alcoholic, here are 11 questions to ask yourself that may indicate you need to consider treatment for alcohol-use disorder:
- Do you drink more often than you used to?
- Do you drink more at one time than you used to?
- Have you ever drank more than you initially intended?
- Have you wanted to cut down on how much or how often you drink but never manage to?
- Do you prefer to drink rather than take part in activities you used to enjoy?
- Do you spend less time with your partner or family because you are drinking?
- Have you ever thought about when you can have your next drink?
- Have you ever forgotten what you did when you were drinking?
- Do you ever have withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, nausea or anxiety, that go away when you drink?
- Do you ever regret your behaviour when you have been drinking?
- Have you ever been advised by your GP you need to drink less?
Accepting you are a high-functioning alcoholic can be painful. It is normal to worry about what other people might think of you and to put off seeking treatment. You may not think your friends, family or colleagues are aware you have a drinking problem, but this is rarely the case. It is far more likely they have concerns but have not yet approached you.
Alcohol Rehab and Addiction Treatment
Speaking with family and friends is advisable; however, if you want to speak to someone in confidence about alcohol rehab and addiction treatment, there are a number of organisations listed on mind.org.uk that can help.
The NHS also provides alcohol rehab and addiction treatment; you can find local alcohol addiction support services on the NHS website.
We offer free advice on supporting and treating addiction. Step by Step Recovery exists to help individuals beat alcohol and drug addiction permanently, providing support to the people we treat and their friends and family. Please complete our online assessment form or call our understanding team on 0800 170 1222 for free, confidential advice to help you or a loved one.
