What Is A High Functioning Alcoholic?

An untreated addiction to alcohol can make it extremely difficult for a person to enjoy a productive and satisfying life. But some people, who are informally referred to as high-functioning alcoholics, seem to be able to avoid the more devastating effects of this disease. What is a high-functioning alcoholic, and can they actually maintain long-term success while in the throes of active addiction?

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or have concerns about the risks of  alcohol, help is available. Call us today or visit our admissions page now to take the first step towards healing.

Alcoholism Symptoms and Effects

To appreciate what a high-functioning alcoholic is, it’s important to understand the typical presentation (symptoms) and impact (effects) of alcohol addiction. 

Symptoms

Alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical term for alcoholism, is characterized by a loss of control over how much and how often a person drinks. Common symptoms of this condition include:

• Drinking more or for a longer period of time than intended
• Spending a significant amount of time using and recovering from the effects of alcohol
• Having powerful cravings for alcohol
• Continuing to drink even after incurring physical, psychological, and/or social harm as a result of prior alcohol use
• Failing to meet personal, academic, or professional obligations due to alcohol use
• Drinking in circumstances that are clearly hazardous, such as prior to driving or while also using prescription medication
• Developing tolerance, which means a person needs to drink more than they used to in order to experience alcohol’s effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly end or significantly reduce their alcohol use
• Wanting to quit drinking but being unable to do so

Effects

If a person doesn’t get effective treatment for alcoholism, the condition have a negative impact on virtually every aspect of their life. For example, the physical and psychological effects of untreated alcoholism can include:

• Malnutrition
• Heart damage
• Stroke
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Liver disease, including steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Reduced bone density
• Increased risk of several types of cancer
• Diminished cognition, including memory loss, delayed response time, and difficulties with abstract thinking and problem solving
• Onset or worsening of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders

The social, financial, and legal ramifications of alcohol addiction can include:

• Recurring conflicts with friends, family members, and colleagues
• Separation, divorce, and loss of child custody
• Substandard performance in school or at work
• Job loss and long-term unemployment
• Being arrested, fined, and jailed
• Suspension or loss of driver’s license
• Financial problems
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Homelessness

What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

By definition, someone who has alcoholism will exhibit some or potentially all of the symptoms described in the previous section. What makes a person a high-functioning alcoholic is that they will appear to have dodged many of the more severe effects, especially those involving academic progress, career advancement, and financial stability.

However, though it may look like a high-functioning alcoholic is enjoying a satisfying life that includes meaningful relationships and other outward indicators of success, the reality of their day-to-day existence may be far less alluring or desirable.

Possible Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

High-functioning alcoholics can become quite adept at hiding the amount and frequency of their drinking from family members, friends, and colleagues. If you suspect that someone in your life has become dependent on alcohol, keep an eye out for signs such as:

• Claiming they function better once they’ve had a few drinks to “loosen up”
• Storing alcohol in their desk at work, their car, and other unconventional locations, so they can get a drink whenever they feel the urge
• Dramatic, unexplainable changes in mood and energy, which can indicate that they recently snuck a drink or two
• Drinking alcohol with virtually every meal, including lunches during work days
• Having a high tolerance to alcohol, which means they can drink a significant amount without appearing to be impaired or intoxicated
• Frequently having alcohol on their breath or emitting a strong smell of mouthwash
• Using alcohol to celebrate successes or cope with setbacks

Even if someone is a so-called high-functioning alcoholic, they still have a chronic, progressive disease that can have a devastating effect on their health and overall well-being. 

But when they get the help they need, they can end their compulsive alcohol use and begin to enjoy a truly productive and satisfying life.

How to Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic

If you suspect that someone you’re close to is a high-functioning alcoholic, it can be difficult to know what (if any) action you should take. Here are a few steps that can be beneficial:

• Continue to educate yourself about the disease of addiction and the impact of long-term alcohol abuse. The more you understand about what your loved one may be experiencing, the better prepared you’ll be to offer meaningful support.
• Have an honest conversation with them about your concerns. Find a safe, non-threatening environment where you can talk and be sure to pick a time when they haven’t been drinking. 
• Be specific about what you’ve observed, but avoid being accusatory or judgmental. Reiterate your love and support, and let them know that you want to work with them to address the problem.
• Encourage them to get help, and offer to assist them as they explore their options.
• Be prepared for pushback, which can range from denial to hostility. Do your best to prevent the discussion from devolving into an argument. It may take some time before your loved one is ready to make a change, so it’s important to not alienate them the first time you address the topic.
• Protect your own physical and mental health. If at any time you fear that your loved one may become violent, remove yourself from the situation. If you’re not already seeing a therapist or counselor, consider making an appointment.  

And here are a few things to avoid:

• Don’t approach this with the goal of “curing” your loved one. Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, not a personality flaw that can be overcome through willpower alone. Your objective should be to connect your loved one with the services they need.
• Don’t make threats or issue ultimatums, especially during your early discussions. Doing so can undermine your efforts to demonstrate to your loved one that you’re on their side. 
• Don’t try to have a conversation with your loved one while they’re intoxicated.
• Don’t try to stage an intervention until you have tried less confrontational tactics first and have thoroughly researched how to conduct one, which may include consulting with a professional interventionist.

Learn More About Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in the San Francisco Bay Area

Live Oaks Wellness is a premier provider of detox and residential treatment for adults in the San Francisco Bay Area who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs. We also offer dual diagnosis services to patients who have anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring mental health concerns. 

To learn more about our programs and services, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today. We look forward to answering all your questions and helping you determine if Live Oaks Wellness is the ideal place for you or your loved one.