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What makes a functioning alcoholic different is that they believe their ability to maintain a normal life keeps them from being an alcoholic. They may be fantastic parents, great students or promising employees, but they still need alcohol to get through their daily routine. A typical alcoholic is less able to keep their problem with alcohol separate and hidden. These are just a few of the stereotypes about alcoholics that are pervasive throughout society. These stereotypes increase denial and prevent many alcoholics from getting proper diagnosis and treatment. High-functioning alcoholics (HFAs) defy these stereotypes and often go undetected because they do not fit the image of the «typical» alcoholic.
Until you check into rehab, avoid bars, liquor stores, and other places where alcohol and drinking abound. Finally, be willing to admit that you have a problem and firmly resolve to make a change in your life. Thousands of people have conquered alcoholism and you can do it too.
Due to some people’s ability to mask their AUD, it is difficult to find research on those that are high functioning. However, there are individuals that meet the criteria for AUD but do not experience these impacts. You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition. They may also withdraw from social situations and find excuses to miss events or optional commitments where drinking is not available or possible. There may also be new legal issues arising for them, like driving under the influence or making other poor decisions. You may begin to notice that a couple of beers after work has turned into a six-pack or even a case.
- You might drink the same amount of alcohol as usual, but there’s less of an effect.
- Who they are when they’re at home, work, or with casual acquaintances is completely different from who they are when they’re in the routine of drinking.
- Outpatient programs make it possible for you to get treatment during the day and still live at home.
- Alcohol use disorder can still have a significant impact on a person’s life, even if they appear to be coping from the outside.
How to Treat High-Functioning Alcoholism
A high-functioning alcoholic may hide their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major losses. Under the surface, this form of alcoholism can cause severe psychological and emotional damage to the alcoholic and also their loved ones.. There are treatment options for people dealing with any level of an alcohol use disorder, whether it is mild, moderate or severe.
Ready to Break Free From Addiction?
An addiction therapist can help you find positive ways to deal with the stress of living with a functional alcoholic. Although you may still hear people talking about “alcoholism” or “alcohol abuse,” the official term is alcohol use disorder (AUD). And it’s all still problem drinking, even if you think it’s “mild.” If AUD goes unrecognized and untreated, it’s linked to risks in many aspects of your health and life. American Addiction Centers offers a range of treatment services in facilities across the country to help treat alcohol use disorders. With our help, patients don’t only appear to function normally, but feel and experience life to its greatest potential as a sober and recovering individual. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing an alcohol problem.
They Can’t Just Have One Drink
Yet the action of hiding those mistakes is a sure sign that they’re an alcoholic. Consider speaking to your primary care provider about your concerns or attending a support group as a first step. Support from other people who struggle with alcohol use disorder is an integral part of recovery, alongside medical treatment. If someone you are close to is living with alcohol use disorder, you may be looking for ways to help them cope with the impacts of their disease on your own life. Below are some signs that you or someone you love may be living with alcohol use disorder.
What Percentage of Alcoholics are Functioning or High Functioning Alcoholics?
Many resources are available, whether you want to help yourself or someone you care about. For some people, as mentioned, the first resource could be speaking to their Signs Someone Is on Crack primary care provider, who can help them understand the next steps. There are also peer support groups that include 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as other options like the SMART Recovery program. If someone has a milder substance use disorder, participation in a group like this can be helpful. The earlier an intervention is sought, the better the outcomes for many people. Also, if you seek help for yourself or a loved one early on, outpatient rehab can be effective.
