Several Indications Of A High-Functioning-Alcoholic
While alcoholism is a disastrous illness that can destroy lives, a few people who struggle with it manage to keep 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 neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
But unfortunately, just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they are 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 shaky hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Here are a few clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink instead of eating.
Alcoholics will often remove and replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as a reason to begin drinking.
2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after several drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can trigger the physical body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a great deal without the same hangover that torments the not habitual drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her physical body often reacts adversely, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, problem drinkers may transform dramatically. A generally mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impulsive choices.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.
6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.
Many alcoholics will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that occurred.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcoholics will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue difficult.
8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.
Most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for mode of evasion. Anxiety and stress at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This kind of hidden alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcoholism.
Let's try to keep our world productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable actions in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, and friends the assistance they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
But unfortunately, just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they are 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 shaky hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Here are a few clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink instead of eating.
Alcoholics will often remove and replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as a reason to begin drinking.
2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after several drinks.
Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can trigger the physical body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a great deal without the same hangover that torments the not habitual drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her physical body often reacts adversely, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of alcohol.
When they drink, problem drinkers may transform dramatically. A generally mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impulsive choices.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.
6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.
Many alcoholics will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that occurred.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcoholics will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue difficult.
8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.
Most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for mode of evasion. Anxiety and stress at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their damaging behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This kind of hidden alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcoholism.
Let's try to keep our world productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable actions in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, and friends the assistance they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
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