A Few Clues Of A High-Functioning-Alcoholic
While alcohol dependence is a devastating disease that can destroy lives, some people who struggle with it manage to keep 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 communities, and make a substantial income.
However, simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large sums of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional path.
Here are a few warning signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They drink rather than eating food.
Problem drinkers will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start consuming alcohol.
alcoholism is not a disease it's a choice
2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after several drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a substantial period of time can trigger the body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholic s are able to drink a lot without the same hangover that tortures the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, jittery, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking, his or her physical body commonly reciprocates adversely, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of booze.
Alcoholics may change dramatically when they drink. For example, a generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has difficulties quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze will never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.
6. Periods of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many alcoholics will participate in activities that they have no memory of the next day. addiction may not appear significantly intoxicated at the time, but they're not able to recall events that occurred.
7. addiction to discuss drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with matters involving their drinking , heavy users will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue difficult.
8. They always have a good explanation for why they drink.
If flat denial or hostility is not the chosen mode of avoidance, most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions. Stress and anxiety at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are common reasons to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This sort of covert drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcoholism.
Let's keep our world productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these troubled colleagues, family members, and friends the help they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a substantial income.
Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. addiction nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
However, simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large sums of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional path.
Here are a few warning signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They drink rather than eating food.
Problem drinkers will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start consuming alcohol.
alcoholism is not a disease it's a choice
2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after several drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a substantial period of time can trigger the body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholic s are able to drink a lot without the same hangover that tortures the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, jittery, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking, his or her physical body commonly reciprocates adversely, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of booze.
Alcoholics may change dramatically when they drink. For example, a generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has difficulties quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze will never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.
6. Periods of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many alcoholics will participate in activities that they have no memory of the next day. addiction may not appear significantly intoxicated at the time, but they're not able to recall events that occurred.
7. addiction to discuss drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with matters involving their drinking , heavy users will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue difficult.
8. They always have a good explanation for why they drink.
If flat denial or hostility is not the chosen mode of avoidance, most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions. Stress and anxiety at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are common reasons to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This sort of covert drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcoholism.
Let's keep our world productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these troubled colleagues, family members, and friends the help they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a substantial income.
Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. addiction nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
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