Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

What are the signs of a high-functioning alcoholic?

From a distance, high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all under control. In fact, they seem to have more than just control, they often appear to be at the top of their game. They hold down high-ranking, stressful jobs and uphold serious responsibilities. They often enjoy luxurious lifestyles with fancy cars and nice homes. But just because they are high-functioning doesn’t mean they don’t feel the repercussions of drinking too much. And for jobs like pilots, doctors, lawyers being high-functioning can also mean being high-risk for many people.

So at what point does someone become a high-functioning alcoholic? It depends on the person. Not everyone is the same. But here are some signs that might indicate that someone is high-functioning and has a drinking problem:

1. What do they eat at mealtime? A high-functioning alcoholic often replaces meals with alcohol, delays eating to feel the effects of alcohol, or uses mealtime as an excuse to drink. Alcoholics often find any excuse they can to drink: relieve stress, get over a problem, celebrate, etc.
2. Do they seem to be immune to the hangover? Heavy drinkers develop a high tolerance for alcohol. So even though they drink a lot, especially compared to an occasional drinker, they seem to avoid the next day hangover.
3. How are they when they aren’t drinking? Sometimes the more obvious behavior of an alcoholic is when they aren’t drinking. Do they seem nervous, irritable, anxious, prone to sweating? That’s their body experiencing withdrawal symptoms because it has become so dependent on alcohol being present.
4. Can they stop drinking once they start? Can they just have one or two drinks and then end the night? Usually with an alcoholic they can’t. Also, do they hide how much they drink? These are both red flags.
5. Regardless of how their behavior changes, do they still continue to drink? Alcohol might make their behavior change drastically – do they pick fights or act impulsively when they drink when they otherwise wouldn’t when sober? This could be a strong indication of a problem.
6. Do they not seem as drunk as they are? A high-functioning alcoholic may seem like they haven’t had as much to drink – even though they might have periods of blacking out or not remembering things that happen.
7. Are they in denial or do they get very defensive if you question their drinking habits?

Be on the look out for this high-functioning alcoholic behavior. It could be a strong sign that somone you know or yourself might have a problem with alcohol. If you feel that the situation is starting to spiral or you have a ticking time bomb on your hands, reach out for some professional guidance. Our highly-trained specialists are ready to help you regain control of the situation.