5 Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

There can be some confusion surrounding when alcohol actually becomes a problem. For some people, frequent alcohol consumption doesn’t appear to interfere with their daily routines. This can make it easy to believe that, as long as their life remains relatively stable and free from major disruptions, alcohol isn’t causing any problems.

However, even when there are no major crises in someone’s life caused by alcohol, it can still lead to significant underlying issues. This is why it’s important to understand the long-term effects of frequent alcohol consumption before it becomes a major issue.

To get a better understanding of the long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption, let’s take a look at what alcohol use disorder is, as well as the signs and symptoms of high-functioning alcoholism.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition often used to describe frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. It’s considered to be a progressive condition, meaning it starts gradually and eventually leads to the inability to stop drinking despite experiencing negative effects.

Alcohol use disorder can range in severity. The amount of symptoms one experiences is a good indicator of the severity of their condition. Some of the common signs of AUD include:

• Being incapable of controlling the amount of alcohol consumed
• Wanting to consume less alcohol but being unable to do so
• Experiencing frequent cravings for alcohol
• Needing to consume more alcohol to receive the same effects
• Encountering feelings of withdrawal when alcohol is not consumed

Over time, alcoholism can take a serious toll on someone’s health and quality of life. Although it’s important to recognize the early signs of AUD, it’s never too late to seek help and start a journey towards recovery.

‍Read our addiction resources to learn more about alcoholism and how we treat it.

High-Functioning Alcoholism—Understanding What It Is and What It Isn’t   

High-functioning alcoholism refers to someone who is dependent on alcohol, but it doesn’t severely interfere with their daily life or routines. Although high-functioning alcoholics struggle with alcohol addiction, they can usually hold down a job, maintain relationships, and appear to live a normal life.

What’s the Difference Between High-Functioning Alcoholism and “Normal” Alcoholism?  

Due to the lack of obvious crises in their lives, it can be hard to recognize a high-functioning alcoholic as an outsider. In fact, this is the biggest difference between high-functioning alcoholism and normal alcoholism. With normal alcoholism, there is a clear loss of control when it comes to alcohol consumption that’s not found in high-functioning alcoholism.

High-functioning alcoholism is also different from alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is generally characterized by drinking too much or too frequently. However, there is not always a physical and mental dependency found in alcohol abuse as there is in alcoholism. 

Symptoms of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Alcoholism, whether someone is high-functioning or not, can lead to serious long-term consequences. Some of the physical symptoms of alcoholism include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Cardiovascular problems
• Digestive issues
• Liver damage
• Increased risk of cancer

In addition to physical symptoms, long-term alcoholism can also lead to several mental health issues. Some of these mental health issues include anxiety, depression, memory loss, and increased risk of self-destructive behaviors. While some people don’t seem to be outwardly affected by excessive alcohol consumption, it can still be dangerous to their physical and mental health.

‍5 Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

‍While it can be difficult to recognize if someone is a high-functioning alcoholic or not, there are several key signs to watch for.

Let’s take a look at these signs in detail to determine how they could indicate that someone is a high-functioning alcoholic.

Frequent Drinking

‍Many high-functioning alcoholics will consume alcohol everyday or several times a day. This causes their reliance on alcohol to strengthen, and it becomes an important part of their daily routine. Over time, their alcohol consumption will increase either in amount or frequency.

‍Drinking to Cope With Stress

‍High-functioning alcoholics will feel the need to drink so they can relax or deal with stressful situations. When someone drinks to cover up their emotions, they ignore the underlying issues that caused them in the first place. As these underlying issues persist from day to day, it reinforces the need to keep drinking. 

‍High Tolerance to Alcohol

‍An important sign of alcoholism, including high-functioning alcoholism, is having a high tolerance to alcohol due to excessive drinking. As someone drinks regularly, they will need to consume higher amounts to achieve the same effects. Despite drinking large amounts of alcohol, a high-functioning alcoholic won’t appear to be intoxicated.

‍High Productivity Despite Drinking

‍High-functioning alcoholics can usually go about their day while being under the influence of alcohol. This includes going to work, running errands, and completing household duties despite their drinking. Although they may be able to get through their day, it’s common for their work performance and daily life to suffer over time. 

‍Personality Changes While Drinking

‍Alcohol can have noticeable effects on someone’s mood and behaviors. It affects everyone differently, so some people may experience a heightened mental state while others may experience emotional numbness or a depressive mental state. High-functioning alcoholics may be able mask these changes at first, but it gets harder as time goes on.

Treatments for High-Functioning Alcoholism

There are several common treatment types that are used by health professionals to help treat alcohol use disorder and high-functioning alcoholism.

Behavioral treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps people identify and overcome the underlying issues that led to excessive drinking. Certain medications may also be prescribed to reduce alcohol cravings or block the positive effects of alcohol.

Depending on the severity of someone’s dependency on alcohol, they may also require inpatient or outpatient treatments. These treatments help high-functioning alcoholics better understand their alcohol dependency while providing a healthy environment for managing their withdrawals and cravings.

Start Your Recovery Journey at Sequoia Behavioral Health

Though recovery takes time and consistency, it is possible. Individuals must be willing to experience the good and bad days. The reward of normalcy and health are worth the hard work and persistence.  

If you are struggling with any form of substance use addiction, contact us today. Our knowledgeable and caring team is here to give you the care you need.