Common Indications Of A High Functioning Alcoholic (HFA)
While alcohol dependence is a devastating condition that can destroy lives, some people who battle with it manage to hold down big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive nice 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 effects 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 managing large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Here are some warning signs that can help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They drink instead of eating.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as an excuse to begin consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can induce the body to become addicted to alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a lot without the same hangover that afflicts the not habitual drinker.
3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, anxious, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking , his or her body regularly reciprocates adversely, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can trigger tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns change significantly while under the influence of booze.
When they drink, alcoholics may transform dramatically. For example, a generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impetuous choices.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has a problem quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze 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 prevalent.
Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're not able to recall activities that occurred.
7. Efforts to discuss drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making discussion hard.
8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most problem drinkers will have a somewhat rational explanation for their behavior. Anxiety and stress at work, problems in the home, or an abundance of social functions are typical reasons to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They hide their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This kind of hidden drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from drinking -help-other-people.html">alcohol addiction .
Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for problematic actions to get these troubled coworkers, family members, and friends the assistance they need.
Symptoms 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.
Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.
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. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Here are some warning signs that can help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They drink instead of eating.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as an excuse to begin consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can induce the body to become addicted to alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a lot without the same hangover that afflicts the not habitual drinker.
3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, anxious, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking , his or her body regularly reciprocates adversely, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can trigger tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns change significantly while under the influence of booze.
When they drink, alcoholics may transform dramatically. For example, a generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impetuous choices.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has a problem quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze 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 prevalent.
Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're not able to recall activities that occurred.
7. Efforts to discuss drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making discussion hard.
8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most problem drinkers will have a somewhat rational explanation for their behavior. Anxiety and stress at work, problems in the home, or an abundance of social functions are typical reasons to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They hide their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This kind of hidden drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from drinking -help-other-people.html">alcohol addiction .
Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for problematic actions to get these troubled coworkers, family members, and friends the assistance they need.
Symptoms 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.
Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.
Replies