What is a Functioning Alcoholic? Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

An experienced intervention specialist can help the participants prepare for these reactions so they can respond effectively. All types of alcohol use disorder, including high-functioning alcoholism, are treatable. Individuals receive treatment through medications, therapy, support groups, or a combination of the three. These are just a few of the stereotypes about alcoholics that are pervasive throughout society. These stereotypes increase denial and prevent many alcoholics from getting proper diagnosis and treatment.

• The damage can be gradual and silent, culminating in devastating ways further down the line.
• Regrettably, in many cases, other people in their lives affirm their denial by agreeing with their excuses and encouraging them to drink more.
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• High-functioning alcoholics will rarely admit that they have a problem.
• If possible, get other family member and friends involved and stage an intervention.

They Frequently Blackout After Drinking

The longer you live with AUD, the higher your risk of developing complications that can lead to death. According to 2020 data by the CDC, nearly 30,000 people died alcoholism treatment that year from alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). For people with functioning AUD, seeking treatment as an outpatient may help them reduce disruptions to their work or family life. Your doctor can give you medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and help you lessen alcohol cravings to reduce the risk of drinking again.

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Even if a high-functioning alcoholic never suffers any legal or professional consequences from alcohol abuse, their body will still suffer. Long-term, chronic drinking damages a person’s brain, heart, liver, and other vital organs. High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Usually, it is only when their continued drinking becomes more painful than the prospect of going through the pain of alcohol withdrawal, will they finally reach out for help. If they are open and willing, they might enter into an inpatient rehab and begin a new chapter in life. If they are in denial, you high functioning alcoholic will have to hold fast to your boundaries. But your value is not dictated by your loved one and their addiction. It is important to know that an AUD is a chronic but treatable disease.

• Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide community and accountability.
• It can lead to liver disease, pancreatitis, some forms of cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and high blood pressure.
• Like medical detox, inpatient and outpatient options are available based on your specific needs.
• People who live fully functional lives can still have AUD and can benefit from treatment and support.
• If cravings and withdrawal have become severe, it’s important to consult medical professionals.
• This level of denial can be very tough to overcome and makes it difficult for a loved one to get through to the functioning alcoholic.

Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people address the mental component of addiction. CBT helps patients peel back the metaphorical layers, allowing them to understand the factors that contributed to their alcohol use disorder. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is a popular counseling method for treating alcohol addiction.

• Whether you have an alcoholic spouse, partner or other loved one, you may be wondering how to help.
• Getting help early on can reduce the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
• An experienced intervention specialist can help the participants prepare for these reactions so they can respond effectively.
• This can help you learn new coping skills so you can turn to other behaviors instead of drinking in order to live a healthier life.

What is a High Functioning Alcoholic?

Nevertheless, high-functioning alcoholics have an addiction disorder which requires treatment. Unfortunately, many high-functioning alcoholics tend to believe they don’t need treatment. These people have jobs, active social lives, or happy families at home. They can assess your symptoms and offer next steps, whether this is treatment or other methods of support. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Drinkline offer free, confidential, over-the-phone advice and support for people who are concerned about their drinking.

For anyone who’s concerned about a loved one’s drinking, please find https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a community of support like Al-Anon. Whether your loved one agrees or not, their actions affect you and you deserve outside support. Other alternatives include group or individualized therapy, consulting educational resources and books, or attending online support groups.