Simply put a high-functioning alcoholic is someone who still manages a career and/or cares for a family while continuing to abuse alcohol. Responsible, productive, high-achieving, powerful: these don’t seem like terms that describe someone with a drinking problem, but they can. And it’s because a high-functioning alcoholic does not fit the stereotype of a drunk that your problem can go unnoticed by those around you. And as a high-functioning alcoholic, you’re probably in denial about your drinking being problematic. After all, you’re still “fulfilling your duties.”
What you usually don’t see as a high-functioning alcoholic is how hard it is on your loved ones. You think you are functioning “normal” so there isn’t a problem, but it’s hard on your family and friends. And it’s harder on yourself than you might realize. It takes a serious toll on your physical and mental health.
If you’re wondering whether you are a functioning alcoholic or if you drink too much, the NCADD website has a great QUIZ to take. Ask yourself: is my drinking interfering with my daily functioning? Is it putting a strain on my relationships at work and at home? Even answering ‘maybe’ or a ‘little’, means you might benefit from reaching out to a specialist who can help you evaluate your situation. But remember you can still have a problem or want to make a change, even if everything in your life outside of your drinking is great.
In fact, you might think you don’t have a problem because you have a great job, pay or bills on time, have great friends and a loving family. But no one can drink heavily for a long period of time and maintain a high level of responsibility. That type of drinking will eventually catch up to you and cost you.
For women if you’re having more than seven drinks a week and men fourteen, you are at-risk. But it’s not just the quantity. Here are some other signs that might indicate a problem: (WebMD)
- Say he has a problem or joke about alcoholism
- Miss work or school, get into fights, lose friendships, or have a DUI arrest
- Need alcohol to relax or feel confident
- Drink in the morning or when alone
- Get drunk when he doesn’t intend to
- Forget what he did while drinking
- Deny drinking, hide alcohol, or get angry when confronted about drinking
- Cause loved ones to worry about or make excuses for his drinking
If you’re starting to feel things slip or if you’re starting to feel out of control, reach out to someone for an evaluation. Many places like ExecuCare do free consultations to help you determine what’s the best entry point for you to keep your life on track.
