A Few Signs Of A High-Functioning-Alcoholic
While alcoholism is a devastating disease 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 great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.
However, simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional path.
Here are some signs that can help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They drink rather than eating food.
Problem drinkers will regularly remove and replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.
Drinking alcohol regularly over an extended period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholic s manage to drink a good deal without the same hangover that tortures the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, anxious, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often responds negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns alter dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, problem drinkers may alter dramatically. For instance, a generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impetuous decisions.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.
6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.
Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're not able to remember events that took place.
7. Efforts to discuss drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.
When faced with matters involving their alcohol consumption, heavy users will generally retreat to denial or aggression, making conversation difficult.
8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.
Most problem drinkers will have a relatively rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for method of avoidance. Stress at the workplace, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social activities are common excuses to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This sort of hidden alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior apart from alcohol addiction.
Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable actions in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, 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 nice cars, live in great communities, and make a substantial income.
Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling substantial sums of money are each at-risk of inducing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
However, simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional path.
Here are some signs that can help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They drink rather than eating food.
Problem drinkers will regularly remove and replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.
Drinking alcohol regularly over an extended period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholic s manage to drink a good deal without the same hangover that tortures the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, anxious, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often responds negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns alter dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, problem drinkers may alter dramatically. For instance, a generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impetuous decisions.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.
6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.
Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're not able to remember events that took place.
7. Efforts to discuss drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.
When faced with matters involving their alcohol consumption, heavy users will generally retreat to denial or aggression, making conversation difficult.
8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.
Most problem drinkers will have a relatively rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for method of avoidance. Stress at the workplace, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social activities are common excuses to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This sort of hidden alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior apart from alcohol addiction.
Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable actions in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, 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 nice cars, live in great communities, and make a substantial income.
Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling substantial sums of money are each at-risk of inducing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
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