A person with a tolerance may need to drink more to get whatever their desired effects are. “They may be quite skilled at hiding their alcohol use and not fit ‘alcoholic’ stereotypes,” said Travis Chenoweth, a social worker at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona. They may acknowledge that they drink more alcohol than they should but deny that it’s a problem and that need to stop drinking. However, heavy drinking will almost always become a problem over time.

Consequences of Ongoing Functioning Alcoholism

However, some people may use the phrase to refer to individuals who are experiencing an AUD but are still able to successfully function in their work and personal lives. While social drinking is a common part of our culture, it’s different from „responsible drinking” which emphasizes moderation and safety. However, regular social drinking can lead to dependence, including the development of high-functioning alcoholism. This means someone may appear to function normally in daily life while struggling with alcohol dependence. America’s National Institutes of Health estimate that as many as 20% of all people suffering from alcohol addiction are high functioning.

Why Is High-Functioning Alcoholism Dangerous?

Thankfully, the sooner you seek treatment, the better long-term physical health outlooks are. Functional alcoholics differ from those who struggle with alcoholism, primarily in how alcohol affects their lives. If you’re the loved one of someone in either group, it’s important to know how to deal with an alcoholic effectively if you want to help them get well.

Risks and Impact of Living With Alcohol Use Disorder

With both alcoholism and drug addiction, the more you use a substance, the higher your tolerance becomes. So, to achieve the same effects you received when first drinking alcohol, you have to consume more of it. The longer you use, the higher your tolerance and the harder it becomes to quit drinking. To avoid these conversations, you or your loved one might hide their alcohol consumption. For example, you may consume excessive alcohol before attending an event.

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.. 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.

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• These setups can also work along with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Rehabilitation programs offer a structured environment for recovery, which can be crucial for high-functioning alcoholics.
• The person may offer excuses or attempt to explain away their addiction, but stay firm and offer to help the person start treatment.
• The reason people with alcohol use disorders conceal how much they drink is that they feel guilty or bad about it.
• Your doctor or another medical or mental health professional can provide you with more information and guidance about alcoholism and suggest how to speak to your loved one.

This is due to the potentially stigmatizing language around the word “alcoholic”, which may also prevent someone from seeking help and support. They can assess your symptoms and offer next steps, whether this functional alcoholic husband is treatment or other methods of support. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Drinkline offer free, confidential, over-the-phone advice and support for people who are concerned about their drinking.

When you lose control over drinking patterns, it can create negative consequences in different areas of your life. Alcohol addiction is one of the most severe levels of an alcohol use disorder, but these disorders can also be mild or moderate. If you recognize signs of alcoholism in yourself, you should seek help from medical professionals such as a psychiatrist, primary care doctor or therapist. Be honest about how much you’re drinking and what symptoms you’re experiencing. “For people with alcohol use disorder, it is not possible to drink moderately. Functional alcoholics are often in deep denial about their problem.

Check your symptoms

Alcohol use disorder can still have a significant impact on a person’s life, even if they appear to be coping from the outside. Reach out to a treatment provider for free today for immediate assistance. Right Mindset Matters is all about empowering you to live your best life by harnessing the power of your thoughts and behaviors. ” self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of an AUD. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

How to help friends and family

According to 2020 data by the CDC, nearly 30,000 people died that year from alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). For people with functioning AUD, seeking treatment as an outpatient may help them reduce disruptions to their work or family life. Your doctor can give you medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and help you lessen alcohol cravings to reduce the risk of drinking again. Instead, the DSM-5 has established AUD as the term to replace previous stigmatizing terms such as alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism. Many are not viewed by society as being alcoholic, because they have functioned, succeeded and/or over-achieved throughout their lifetimes. These achievements often lead to an increase in personal denial as well as denial from colleagues and loved ones.