Common Signs Of A High Functioning Alcoholic
While alcohol dependence is a disastrous disease that can destroy lives, a number of people who battle 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 great cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional path.
Here are some signs that can help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink in place of eating.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start drinking.
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 trigger the body to become addicted to alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholic s successfully drink a great deal without having the same hangover that afflicts the random drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, jittery, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking , his or her body regularly responds adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics may alter noticeably when they drink. For instance, a generally mild-mannered individual may become belligerent, or make impetuous decisions.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.
6. Time spans of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not seem extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that took place.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with issues involving their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making conversation difficult.
8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most alcoholic s will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions. Anxiety and stress at the workplace, problems in the home, or an abundance of social activities are common excuses to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They hide their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This type of hidden drinking is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcoholism .
Let's try to keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable actions 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 seem to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a significant 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 amounts of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional path.
Here are some signs that can help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink in place of eating.
Alcoholics will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start drinking.
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 trigger the body to become addicted to alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholic s successfully drink a great deal without having the same hangover that afflicts the random drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, jittery, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from drinking , his or her body regularly responds adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics may alter noticeably when they drink. For instance, a generally mild-mannered individual may become belligerent, or make impetuous decisions.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.
6. Time spans of memory loss or "blacking out" are prevalent.
Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not seem extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that took place.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with issues involving their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making conversation difficult.
8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most alcoholic s will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions. Anxiety and stress at the workplace, problems in the home, or an abundance of social activities are common excuses to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They hide their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This type of hidden drinking is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcoholism .
Let's try to keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable actions 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 seem to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a significant 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 amounts of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
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