However, once they do, they can turn into chronic and life-altering health issues. The professional lives of high-functioning alcoholics are often challenging and stressful. This can become a vicious high functioning alcoholic circle in which going out for drinks provides a temporary escape from stressors. Being at a later stage can make recovery more challenging, but recovery is possible at any stage of alcoholism.
Living with an Alcoholic and Avoiding Codependency
- This sneaky drinking avoids conversations about excessive alcohol use with friends and family members.
- It also might mean admitting that they don’t have it all together, and their exterior (and interior) world is crumbling.
- While their appearance may not be any different and they can still fulfill their responsibilities, you’ll start to see a pattern develop of turning to alcohol to cope with family, work or personal issues.
- High-functioning alcoholics may not suffer obvious external negative consequences for their alcohol use problem.
- Many alcoholics use denial or aggression as their chosen mode of avoidance, but others have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior.
After ongoing heavy use, the body may develop a physical dependence. A person with a dependence may go through withdrawal symptoms without a certain level of alcohol in their body. When the normally high level of alcohol in a person’s body begins to drop, they may feel physically ill. They may only feel well when they maintain a consistent level of alcohol in their bloodstream.
Leading a Double Life
Enter your phone number below to receive a free and confidential call from a treatment provider. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that progresses through early, middle and late stages. In 2019, it affected 14.5 millionAmericans aged 12 and older, or 5.3% of the population. Knowing that others are going through what you are can help with the loneliness and stigma and support you when you’re struggling.
What are the complications of AUD?
This can make it more difficult to show the effects of intoxication. Eventually, their tissue cells may become dependent on alcohol to function normally. Early-stage alcoholism is the beginning of the person’s chronic use and pathway to abusing alcohol. “Alcoholism” and “alcohol abuse” are terms people use when referring to alcohol use disorder (AUD), a widespread issue in the United States.
Most work full time and have stable relationships along with high earnings. People with high-functioning alcoholism tend to drink every other day and consume five or more drinks per sitting. They are also the most likely of all the alcoholic subtypes to be college-educated, and the least likely to use illegal drugs. As a person with a high tolerance continues to drink heavily, their body adapts to the presence of alcohol.
- Your doctor may also conduct imaging tests if other laboratory studies come back abnormal.
- But most high-functioning alcoholics have friends or loved ones who help them cover up the consequences of their drinking.
- But what appears as a desirable life is actually expertise at hiding the truth.
- It’s not uncommon for functional addicts to be attractive, charming and powerful – which can lead others to assume they have it all together.
- They know they have a problem at a subconscious level, but they aren’t ready to face it.
- If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is.
- There are hundreds of resources all over the country designed to address the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction.
They are usually able to manage areas of life including jobs, homes, and families. It can be hard to stop enabling someone you care about once you’ve recognized it. Try to talk openly to the person about your concerns, and encourage them to seek help from resources like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Being able to carry out regular responsibilities with AUD is not the same as being free of the disease. Alcohol use disorder can still have a significant impact on a person’s life, even if they appear to be coping from the outside.
Articles Related to Alcoholism
This allows you to focus solely on overcoming your addiction without outside responsibilities or stress. These consequences of a substance use disorder are only those most people will notice. Unfortunately, there are many more problems the once-functioning alcoholic could potentially face. High-functioning alcoholics may not suffer obvious external negative consequences for their alcohol use problem.
- Since people with high-functioning AUD can be on the milder spectrum of the condition, the earlier treatment happens, the more it may be possible to avoid a progression.
- When healthcare providers screen for AUD, they look at drinking behavior patterns within the last year to determine a diagnosis.
- To cope with your stress, you may want to attend a support group for family and friends of people with alcohol use disorder (such as Al-Anon) or consider therapy.
With the Right Support, Getting Sober is Entirely Possible
To cope with your stress, you may want to attend a support group for family and friends of people with alcohol use disorder (such as Al-Anon) or consider therapy. Issues with work, school, and relationships are common among people living with AUD. These issues can be insidious and increase as a person becomes more dependent on alcohol. Over time, these minor signs can snowball into more significant issues.
“Mental health care is critical for achieving long-term success in overcoming AUD,” says Elhaj. According to Conroy, it may be easy to get caught in denial with AUD if you subconsciously feel something is wrong with you at your core. It also might mean admitting that they don’t have it all together, and their exterior (and interior) world is crumbling. “In some families, drinking too much is seen as comical, not a big deal, or a must during celebrations,” she adds.