By getting help for your loved one, you may be able to avoid further consequences of alcoholism and build a healthier future for your family. If the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism have become overwhelming, and your loved one refuses to seek help for alcohol abuse, it could be time to plan an intervention. An intervention is a planned meeting in which the concerned parties confront the alcoholic about their behavior.
Who Are High-Functioning Alcoholics?
- A competent therapist will perform a complete assessment of the situation prior to engaging in any type of family or group therapy.
- This powerful sense of denial also prevents the loved ones of HFAs from intervening.
- Most work full time and have stable relationships along with high earnings.
- Denial is such that the individual tries to believe there is no serious problem that needs to be addressed.
- This article explores the meaning of the term high functioning alcoholic, looks at the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), how people can help friends and family, and more.
You can also dispel some of the myths and stereotypes about alcoholics that I have written about in other blog posts on this site and in my book Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic. You can help to slowly chip away at his or her denial, but it is also important to come from a place of compassion and not from a position of judgment. Being able to carry out regular responsibilities with AUD is not the same as being free of the disease. Alcohol use disorder can still have a significant impact on a person’s life, even if they appear to be coping from the outside. So, when supporting your loved one, it can be beneficial to lead with love, compassion, and understanding. If they’re not receptive, keep trying — and set boundaries to protect your own well-being.
Help for alcohol use disorder at Priory
For more context, they are really good at seeming sober/not that drunk, even when drinking heavily, and are currently high functioning, so I can’t tell from the outside how bad things are without them telling me. I also am an Adult Child of an Alcoholic, so I have a lot of fear in having open conversations about drinking in general. Treatment programmes at Priory can be on a residential, inpatient basis at one of our leading hospital sites across the UK, allowing you to receive round-the-clock expert treatment. Alternatively, we can treat you on an outpatient or day care basis – allowing you to recover from addiction around your other responsibilities. They can assess their symptoms, provide a diagnosis and outline what course of treatment might be best for them.
What Is a Functional Alcoholic?
At the time, they may not seem extremely intoxicated, but when asked about their behavior the next day, they’re unable to remember what happened. People who are concerned about their drinking habits, and those who are showing signs of an AUD, may wish to reach out for help and support. According to the NIAAA, the majority of people with an AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. A person who appears to be managing their alcohol intake but is experiencing issues with their relationship to alcohol has what is now known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Understanding High-Functioning Alcoholics
Support groups can also help people who are codependent on a high-functioning alcoholic. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who are trying to recover from a codependent relationship. Other support groups, such as Al-Anon, are available for friends and family members who need help dealing with an alcoholic’s issues. Sometimes husbands and wives of high-functioning high functioning alcoholic alcoholics are the only ones who know their spouse has alcohol problems. People addicted to alcohol may be able to function at work or in social drinking situation, but they’re unable to hide the disease from the person closest to them. A high-functioning alcoholic often does such a good job of hiding their issues that other people don’t know the issues exist.
High-functioning alcoholics effectively live a double life wherein they appear highly functional on the outside but are anxious, depressed, angry, and preoccupied with their next opportunity to drink on the inside. Supporting a loved one who is a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging, but your support and encouragement can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. A high-functioning alcoholic’s behavior may change significantly while drinking. For example, a usually calm person may become outgoing, aggressive or even impulsive while consuming alcohol.
Mission Harbor is dedicated to treating Santa Barbara County and Los Angeles County with specialized mental and behavioral health programs in a convenient outpatient environment. Our treatment facility is accredited by the Joint Commission and LegitScript Certified. Remember that supporting a loved one with high-functioning alcoholism can be emotionally demanding. Don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself through therapy, support groups, or counseling. Mindfulness and meditation practices can be highly beneficial for individuals struggling with high-functioning alcoholism.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Even though the research study is often cited and has been updated, the five subtypes in the study have not been used in any diagnostic or classification scheme to identify alcohol abuse. According to a government survey, about 20% of alcoholics in America are high-functioning alcoholics. They take care of their families, always pay their bills, and avoid trouble with the law. In fact, their families and friends might not even know they are alcoholics if they show no signs of having a substance use disorder.