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Am I a high-functioning alcoholic?
Alcoholism is a reality that affects many people, but it does not always manifest itself in overt ways. Some individuals manage to maintain a facade of normalcy while dealing with an alcohol dependence.
However, a functionally sober individual looks very different from a high-functioning alcoholic. Even if you are able to maintain your job and your relationships, if you are unable to stop drinking, you are probably dealing with an alcohol dependence problem.
Many people facing this situation may ask themselves, “Am I a high-functioning alcoholic?” If you’ve ever wondered, in this GateHouse Treatment blog, we’ll delve into this topic so you can better understand what being a high-functioning alcoholic entails.
Definition of a High-Functioning Alcoholic
A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who, despite alcohol dependence, maintains an apparently stable life. These individuals often have successful jobs, stable family relationships, and an active social life. However, behind this facade, alcohol use is constant and problematic. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol misuse includes patterns such as heavy and hazardous drinking, which may go unnoticed in people who maintain their daily responsibilities.
Understanding Functioning Alcoholic Signs
Identifying a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging due to their ability to hide their dependence. Some signs include:
- Regular solo drinking: Sneak drinking or finding excuses to consume alcohol at inappropriate times.
- Denial of the problem: Minimizing the amount consumed or justifying drinking as a form of relaxation or stress management.
- Establishing self-imposed rules: For example, deciding not to drink before a specific time of day or limiting oneself to certain types of drinks, such as beer instead of hard liquor.
- Absences or late arrivals at work: Although they keep their job, they may have frequent absences or be late due to the effects of alcohol.
- Memory problems: Experiencing mental lapses or difficulty remembering recent events.
- Irritability or mood swings: Exhibiting abrupt emotional changes, especially when unable to consume alcohol.
Associated risks:
Although they may seem functional, excessive alcohol consumption has significant adverse health effects, including:
- Heart problems: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause high blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart), heart failure, or stroke.
- Liver disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis) and lead to inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis). In addition, over time, it causes scarring and irreversible destruction of liver tissue (cirrhosis).
- Cognitive impairment: Alcohol affects the brain’s communication pathways and functioning, impairing balance, memory, speech, and judgment.
Difference Between High-Functioning Alcoholism and Problem Drinking
High-functioning alcoholism refers to individuals who, despite their dependence on alcohol, maintain an appearance of stability in their professional and personal lives. These individuals often fulfill their work and social responsibilities, which may mask the severity of their addiction. However, their constant alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on their long-term health and well-being.
On the other hand, problem drinking encompasses a broader range of drinking patterns that result in adverse physical, mental, and social health consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as liver disease, heart disease, and various types of cancer, as well as mental and behavioral disorders, including depression and anxiety. In addition, alcohol consumption can cause traffic accidents and other injuries, affecting not only the individual but also third parties.
The main difference between high-functioning alcoholism and problem drinking lies in the perception and external manifestation of the problem. While high-functioning alcoholics manage to hide their dependence by maintaining a facade of normality, problematic alcohol consumption may be more evident due to the visible repercussions on the individual’s health and daily life. In both cases, however, it is crucial to recognize the need for appropriate intervention and treatment to prevent further harm and promote a better quality of life.
How to Know if You Are a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Recognizing the existence of a problem is the first step toward recovery. Consider the following reflections:
- Frequency and amount of drinking: do you consume alcohol daily or in large quantities?
- Need to drink to relax: Do you feel you need a drink to manage stress or socialize?
- Failed attempts to reduce consumption: Have you tried to reduce your intake without success?
- Comments from others: Have friends or family members expressed concern about your drinking habits?
- Use of alcohol as an escape: Do you use alcohol to avoid problems or negative emotions?
Additionally, the CDC offers online tools to assess your alcohol consumption and help you make a plan to drink less.
Remember, when dealing with alcohol dependence, you are not alone. Centers like GateHouse Treatment in New England offer a variety of comprehensive treatments to address alcohol dependence, considering each person’s needs and context.
Seeking Help
Accepting that a problem exists is vital. In addiction, getting professional help can make all the difference on the road to recovery. At GateHouse Treatment, we offer specialized programs to overcome alcohol addiction, including:
- Detoxification (detox) programs: medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Medication-assisted treatment: Use of drugs to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
- Outpatient programs: These programs offer therapy and support while you continue with your daily responsibilities.
- Partial hospitalization programs: Intensive care without the need for hospitalization.
In addition, organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous offer support groups that have proven to be effective in preventing relapse.
Begin a Supported Sobriety Journey
High-functioning alcoholism is a serious condition that many can ignore due to the individual’s ability to maintain a seemingly everyday life. However, the long-term repercussions on health and well-being are significant. If you identify with the above signs, it is essential to seek professional help. At GateHouse Treatment, we are committed to providing you with the support you need to overcome addiction and regain control of your life. Call us at (855) 448-3588 or fill out our online form to get a free confidential consultation.
Remember, recognizing the problem is the first step toward recovery. You are not alone in this journey, and with the proper support, it is possible to achieve a life free of alcohol dependence.
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