While alcohol dependence is a disastrous condition that can ruin lives, a number of people who struggle with it manage to hold down 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 good neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

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

Listed below are a few clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They drink instead of eating.

Alcoholics will commonly replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as a reason to begin consuming alcohol.

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

Drinking alcohol routinely over an extended period of time can induce the body to become addicted to alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a great deal without the same hangover that torments the occasional drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her body commonly reacts negatively, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, and even seizures.

4. addiction change noticeably while under the influence of alcohol.

Problem drinkers may transform dramatically when they drink. A typically mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make careless choices.


5. They cannot have just two drinks.

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

6. Time spans of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.

addiction will participate in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not seem extremely drunk at the time, but they're unable to recall events that happened.

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

When confronted with issues surrounding their alcohol consumption, heavy users will generally regress to denial or aggression, making conversation difficult.

8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.

addiction will have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of avoidance. detoxification and stress at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social activities are prevalent excuses to explain their damaging behavior.

9. addiction conceal their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This type of hidden alcohol consumption is a significant warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcohol dependence.

Let's keep our world productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for dubious behavior in order to get these struggling coworkers, family members, and friends the assistance they need.

Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic


how to tell if someone is drinking again



From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem 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 invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker managing considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.