A Few Clues Of A High Functioning Alcoholic (HFA)
While alcoholism is a disastrous disease that can ruin lives, some people who battle with it manage to keep stressful jobs and big responsibilities. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
Even so, just because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a financier managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional path.
Here are some signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as a reason to start consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after a number of drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can trigger the body to become dependent on alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a great deal without having the same hangover that tortures the random drinker.
3. Abstaining makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an drinking -">drinking -alcohol-today/">alcoholic is required to avoid drinking, his or her physical body often reciprocates negatively, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, nervousness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns alter significantly while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, alcoholics may change dramatically. For example, a generally pleasant individual may become belligerent, or make careless decisions.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many problem drinker s will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to recall activities that took place.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with issues involving their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will generally regress to denial or aggression, making a dialogue hard.
8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.
Most problem drinkers will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for mode of avoidance. Anxiety and stress at work, troubles at home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This sort of covert alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcohol addiction .
Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for dubious behavior in order 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 alcoholic s appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.
Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
Even so, just because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a financier managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional path.
Here are some signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as a reason to start consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after a number of drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can trigger the body to become dependent on alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a great deal without having the same hangover that tortures the random drinker.
3. Abstaining makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an drinking -">drinking -alcohol-today/">alcoholic is required to avoid drinking, his or her physical body often reciprocates negatively, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, nervousness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns alter significantly while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, alcoholics may change dramatically. For example, a generally pleasant individual may become belligerent, or make careless decisions.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many problem drinker s will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to recall activities that took place.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with issues involving their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will generally regress to denial or aggression, making a dialogue hard.
8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.
Most problem drinkers will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for mode of avoidance. Anxiety and stress at work, troubles at home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This sort of covert alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcohol addiction .
Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for dubious behavior in order 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 alcoholic s appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.
Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
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