While alcohol dependence is a devastating condition that can ruin lives, a number of people who battle with it manage to keep big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.


Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still at risk of harming themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large sums of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional path.

Below are a number of clues that can really help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol in place of eating food.

Alcoholics will regularly replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to begin drinking.

2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.

Drinking alcohol regularly over an extended period of time can trigger the body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics manage to drink a lot without the same hangover that tortures the random drinker.

3. alcoholism makes them irritable, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking , his or her physical body commonly reacts adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of alcohol.

Problem drinkers may alter noticeably when they drink. For instance, a generally mild-mannered person may become belligerent, or make impulsive choices.

5. They can't have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has difficulties stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.

Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not seem extremely drunk at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that occurred.

7. Attempts to discuss drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.

When confronted with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or aggression, making discussion hard.

8. alcoholism have a good reason for why they drink.

If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of avoidance, most problem drinkers will have a somewhat rational explanation for their actions. Anxiety and stress at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social activities are prevalent reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. alcoholism of covert drinking is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcohol addiction.

Let's try to keep our world productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these troubled colleagues, family members, and friends the help they need.

Symptoms of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.

Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive path.