It is not uncommon for people to be surprised when someone who appears to be functional and composed admits that they have a problem with alcohol. High-functioning alcoholics are people who struggle with alcohol addiction while still being able to maintain all the regular daily tasks like keeping a job, taking care of their children, and being present in social activities. However, just because their life has yet to be negatively affected by alcohol addiction, it doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t benefit from going into alcohol rehab.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we know that each client has their own unique circumstances. We offer a wide variety of programs, services, and therapies in order to provide the best treatment plan that can give our patients the best chance at successful recovery and long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, contact us at 844.332.1807 to start your recovery journey.
What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
The guideline for drinking in moderation is to consume no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. To be considered a high-functioning alcoholic, one likely drinks more than this amount or occasionally engages in excessive drinking. It is easy to get to this amount as people develop a tolerance to alcohol and its effects, causing them not to notice that their intake has been increasing. Functional tolerance is when someone can ingest alcohol without appearing to be intoxicated. This can allow them to continue to execute regular daily activities in a way that appears normal to those around them.
However, even if someone’s daily routine is not disrupted by their drinking, long-term alcohol abuse can still result in many health issues. Some of which are:
- Physical alcohol dependence
- Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Cognitive issues such as problems with memory and learning, and even dementia
- Weakened immune system
- Liver disease and other digestive problems
- High blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke
- Increased chance of certain kinds of cancer
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder in High-Functioning Individuals
Since a high-functioning alcoholic can appear to behave normally in front of their friends and family, how can someone know if their loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse? Here are a few subtle signs that one can look out for to spot a high-functioning alcoholic:
- They avoid eating at restaurants that don’t serve alcohol
- They avoid social situations where they cannot have a drink
- They store alcohol in secret places, such as the closet, car, garage, or at their desk
- They drink in the morning or even if they are alone
- They can drink a large amount of alcohol and not appear to be intoxicated
- They make jokes about alcoholism, or they minimize the seriousness of alcohol abuse
- They get angry or defensive when they are confronted about their drinking habits
- They become irritable or restless if they are unable to have a drink for a few days
What a high-functioning alcoholic needs to understand is that even if they are managing to maintain their jobs, nurture their relationships, and attend to their responsibilities, their alcohol consumption will lead to problems in the long run. The only way for them to lead a long, healthy life is for them to recover from their alcohol addiction.
Turn to Fort Behavioral Health for Alcohol Rehab in Texas
At Fort Behavioral Health, we know that beating alcoholism is no easy task. That is why we are here to give every patient the right support and guidance through each stage of their detox and recovery. Our master-level clinicians provide a wide variety of treatments and therapies to ensure holistic healing and long-lasting success. Contact us at 844.332.1807 today to take the first step towards a healthier, happier future.
