However, becoming irrationally upset at an event that traditionally serves alcohol—a wedding, New Year’s party, or sporting event—is one of the recognizable behaviors of an alcoholic. In some cases, they will make passive-aggressive comments about the lack of alcohol or joke about how much more fun the experience would be with alcohol. In the Types of Drug Addictions worst cases, they might even become aggressive, confronting people about the lack of drinks.

1. Experts warn, however, that many people with addictions continue to perform at work.
2. It can lead to liver disease, pancreatitis, some forms of cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and high blood pressure.
3. People can have a varied reaction and tolerance to alcohol and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are alcoholics.
4. Outpatient programs offer more flexibility regarding the schedule but provide the support and recovery resources needed.

The longer you live with AUD, the higher your risk of developing complications that can lead to death. According to 2020 data by the CDC, nearly 30,000 people died that year from alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). For people with functioning AUD, seeking treatment as an outpatient may help them reduce disruptions to their work or family life. This is why psychological counseling, such as talk therapy, is important if you’re recovering from AUD. This can help you learn new coping skills so you can turn to other behaviors instead of drinking in order to live a healthier life. Your doctor can give you medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and help you lessen alcohol cravings to reduce the risk of drinking again.

Why It May Be Harder to Get Help for a Functioning Alcoholic

I, too, struggled to see that I could be accomplished academically and then professionally while drinking alcoholically. My image of the alcoholic was always an individual who could not hold his or her life together, and I certainly did not fit that description. My denial was deeply rooted and was reinforced not only by my loved ones but by society as a whole.

These signs don’t always affect a person’s ability to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities. There is research showing that about 19.5 percent of people with AUD are middle-aged, well-educated, and have stable jobs, homes, and families. This could include people with high-functioning AUD, but these criteria are not definitive characteristics. For example, you might imagine an “alcoholic” as someone who is constantly near-blackout drunk, and someone who’s unable to maintain a job or family life. Family members may feel on edge and worried about their loved ones drinking.

Support for Me and My Family

High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease. Alcoholism can take a devastating toll on a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, personal relationships and professional life. However, many alcoholics manage to function effectively, holding down jobs and maintaining households.

Over time, you may drink not because you’re choosing to but because you’ve developed an addiction, and your use is compulsive due to effects on your brain. Functional tolerance contributes to addiction because you might be trying to feel what made you initially enjoy drinking, such as relaxation or euphoria. The more tolerant you are to the effects of alcohol, the more likely you are to have a faster progression to an alcohol use disorder. Express an openness to talk about their drinking, provide support and establish boundaries. Make it clear to him that you will not support their drinking or unhealthy behaviors, and you will not share in the consequences. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery.

Addiction Treatment Programs

If someone close to you is a high-functioning alcoholic, it’s just as important to seek support for yourself as it is to get help for your loved one. You likely have questions about how to deal with an alcoholic, or how to help an alcoholic. Self-help organizations, church groups, and 12-step programs like Al-Anon and Alateen offer advice, hope and encouragement to people involved with functioning alcoholics.

Perhaps the most difficult component of managing a high-functioning alcoholic is their belief that there isn’t a problem. They’re doing fine at work, school and home, so they believe they’re controlling their drinking. Some may even believe a couple of drinks a day is necessary to manage stress. If they can hold themselves to that limit, they rationalize away any alcohol addiction.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.