Some Clues Of A High-Functioning-Alcoholic
While alcoholism is a devastating disease that can destroy lives, a number of people who struggle with it manage to hold down stressful jobs and big responsibilities. 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 significant income.
Simply because they're high-functioning does not 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 inducing horrendous disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Below are a few clues that can really help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink in place of eating.
Alcoholics will regularly 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 having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.
Drinking alcohol routinely over a long period of time can cause the body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a great deal without the same hangover that afflicts the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, anxious, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her physical body commonly reacts negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics may transform dramatically when they drink. For instance, a typically mild-mannered individual may become belligerent, or make careless choices.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has a problem quiting, 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.
Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day. They may not seem extremely drunk at the moment, but they're unable to recall events that took place.
7. Attempts to discuss drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with matters surrounding their drinking, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue hard.
8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the opted for method of avoidance, most alcoholic s will have a seemingly reasonable explanation for their actions. Stress at the workplace, problems in the home, or an abundance of social functions are prevalent reasons to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This kind of covert alcohol consumption is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcohol addiction.
Let's try to keep our community productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for dubious actions in order to get these troubled coworkers, family members, and friends the help they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.
Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.
Simply because they're high-functioning does not 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 inducing horrendous disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.
Below are a few clues that can really help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink in place of eating.
Alcoholics will regularly 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 having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.
Drinking alcohol routinely over a long period of time can cause the body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a great deal without the same hangover that afflicts the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them cranky, anxious, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her physical body commonly reacts negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics may transform dramatically when they drink. For instance, a typically mild-mannered individual may become belligerent, or make careless choices.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
An alcoholic has a problem quiting, 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.
Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day. They may not seem extremely drunk at the moment, but they're unable to recall events that took place.
7. Attempts to discuss drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with matters surrounding their drinking, alcohol abusers will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue hard.
8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the opted for method of avoidance, most alcoholic s will have a seemingly reasonable explanation for their actions. Stress at the workplace, problems in the home, or an abundance of social functions are prevalent reasons to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This kind of covert alcohol consumption is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcohol addiction.
Let's try to keep our community productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for dubious actions in order to get these troubled coworkers, family members, and friends the help they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.
Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.
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