Many people have a preconceived idea of what an alcoholic looks like and how they behave. However, alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects everyone differently, and it isn’t always glaringly obvious when someone is struggling.
One lesser-known type of alcoholic is a “high-functioning” one. These individuals may be able to carry out daily tasks just as well as a sober person without seeming clinically impaired or belligerent, but they still have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
This article will look at what a high-functioning alcoholic is. You will learn about:
- What it means to have functional tolerance
- How denial affects a functioning alcoholic
- The signs of a high-functioning alcoholic
- How to help someone who is struggling with alcoholism
For immediate assistance, contact The Best Treatment today to speak with an admissions coordinator.
What is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who appears to manage their daily responsibilities, such as work, family, and social commitments, while still maintaining a pattern of heavy alcohol consumption. Despite the outward appearance of normalcy and success in their daily lives, these individuals still have an addiction to alcohol that can have significant impacts on their health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Functioning alcoholics may be able to hold down jobs, manage households, and maintain social relationships without showing obvious signs of alcohol abuse. They may even excel in their careers or personal lives, masking the true extent of their drinking problem. However, alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease that often gets worse over time.[1] Without early intervention, even a high-functioning alcoholic can hit rock bottom and experience consequences related to their career, family, or daily life.
Unfortunately, people with this type of alcoholism often resist seeking help because they do not see themselves as having a problem, or they fear the stigma associated with alcoholism. Since they are successful in other areas of their life, they don’t feel the need to seek help.
Functional Tolerance
A key characteristic of a high-functioning alcoholic is what is known as “functional tolerance.” People with functional tolerance have developed a tolerance for alcohol, meaning they need to drink abnormally large amounts to experience the desired effects.[2] However, they are still able to function as though they are not as intoxicated as they really are, hence the term, “functional tolerance.”
Having functional tolerance allows individuals to maintain daily responsibilities while still consuming large amounts of alcohol. They may appear sober and competent, even after drinking quantities that would severely impair the average person.
Functional tolerance does not eliminate the cognitive and physical risks of heavy drinking. Functioning alcoholics may still experience memory lapses, poor judgment, and impaired coordination, but these effects may be subtle or delayed, making them harder to detect in the early stages.
Denial in the High-Functioning Alcoholic
Another common trait of this type of problem drinker is denial. Individuals often downplay the amount of alcohol they consume or the impact it has on their lives.[3] They might insist that they only drink socially or to relax after a long day, ignoring the frequency or quantity of their drinking.
Because they are able to maintain jobs, relationships, and other responsibilities, they are easily able to convince themselves that their alcohol use is under control and not problematic. They may even compare themselves to other stereotypical alcoholics who struggle more visibly, justifying that they’re different and don’t have a problem with alcohol.
Additionally, high-functioning alcoholics regularly find reasons to justify their drinking. They might claim that their drinking is necessary to cope with stress, unwind after a tough day, or socialize with colleagues. They may also point to their success in work or family life as evidence that their alcohol use is harmless. This rationalization helps them avoid confronting the truth about their drinking.
Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic
Identifying a high-functioning alcoholic can be difficult, especially when the person struggling with alcohol abuse doesn’t display many outward signs or suffer from any alcohol-related health problems.[4]
Signs include:
- Regular alcohol consumption, often daily, and that is integrated into one’s routine
- Increased tolerance, requiring progressively larger amounts to achieve the same effects
- Secrecy about drinking habits, often hiding the extent of alcohol use from others
- Excelling in professional and personal life, maintaining a facade of normalcy
- Rationalization of drinking, often justifying it as a way to cope with stress or socialize
- Neglect of non-essential activities, gradually withdrawing from hobbies or interests
- Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability or defensiveness when questioned
- Drinking despite negative consequences, and continuing to drink even when problems arise
- Physical symptoms like frequent hangovers, digestive issues, or early signs of liver damage
- Attempts to control drinking, often setting limits that are difficult to maintain
How to Help a Loved One With a Drinking Problem
Watching someone you love struggle with alcoholism is challenging, but there are ways to help and support them. Start by expressing your concerns calmly and honestly, focusing on how their drinking affects you and others, not just on their behavior. If they’re responsive to your concerns, consider suggesting they seek help from a healthcare provider, counselor, or addiction specialist, and offer to help them find treatment.
Alcoholism treatment programs are offered in many settings, including inpatient and outpatient rehab. Many high-functioning alcoholics can get sober with an outpatient program, but inpatient treatment is encouraged during periods of detox and early recovery. Outpatient rehab allows individuals to continue living at home, going to work, caring for their families, and maintaining their other responsibilities.
After rehab, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be helpful in promoting long-term sobriety.[5] These peer support groups use the 12 steps to establish a guideline for sober living and a community of support.
Get Help Now
If you or a family member suffer from alcoholism or are questioning your relationship with alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at The Best Treatment today. Our South Florida treatment facilities can help you stop drinking alcohol, detox safely, and establish the tools and support you need to remain sober.
Our team of substance abuse and medical professionals utilize an individually-tailored approach to treating alcohol use disorders (AUDs). When you call, we’ll assess your needs and begin developing a treatment plan based on your needs. We offer a range of alcohol and substance abuse treatment services in Florida, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient care.
To learn more about our treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today!
References:
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol’s Effects on Health
- Science Direct: Alcohol Tolerance
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Characteristics associated with denial of problem drinking among two generations of individuals with alcohol use disorders
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Use Disorder
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): New Research Affirms Effectiveness of AA and Other 12-Step Programs in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder
