Several Clues Of A High Functioning Alcoholic

While alcoholic .com/is-alcoholism-a-disease/"> problem "> problem ">alcoholism is a disastrous condition that can destroy 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 good communities, and make a significant income.

But unfortunately, just because they are high-functioning does not mean that they are immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still at risk of hurting themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional path.

Listed below are a few clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They drink in place of eating food.

Problem drinkers will regularly replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as an excuse to start drinking.

2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after a number of drinks.

Drinking alcohol routinely over a substantial period of time can induce the physical body to become addicted to alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a lot without the same hangover that plagues the occasional drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them cranky, jittery, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid drinking, his or her body often reacts adversely, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can induce tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a rapid heart rate, and even seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns alter significantly while under the influence of alcohol.

When they drink, alcoholics may alter noticeably. For example, a typically mild-mannered person may become belligerent, or make impetuous choices.
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5. They cannot have just two drinks.

A problem drinker has trouble quiting, 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.

Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day. They may not appear significantly intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to remember activities that took place.

7. Attempts to discuss drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.

When confronted with matters surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or aggression, making a dialogue hard.

8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.

Most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion. Stress at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social activities are prevalent reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Many alcoholic s will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This sort of hidden drinking is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcohol dependence.

Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for dubious behavior in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, and neighbors the assistance they need.

Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Simply 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 managing substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.