Some Clues Of A High Functioning Alcoholic
While alcoholism is a disastrous illness that can ruin lives, a few people who battle with it manage to hold down stressful jobs and big responsibilities. 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're high-functioning doesn't mean that they are immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional path.
Below are some clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink instead of eating food.
alcohol addict will regularly remove and 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.
Drinking alcohol regularly over a long period of time can induce the body to become dependent on alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a good deal without the same hangover that torments the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often reciprocates adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics may change dramatically when they drink. A generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make careless choices.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble stopping, 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.
Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not seem significantly intoxicated at the moment, but they're unable to remember events that happened.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with issues surrounding their alcohol consumption, heavy users will generally regress to denial or aggression, making a dialogue difficult.
8. They always have a good reason for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most alcoholics will have a somewhat reasonable explanation for their actions. Anxiety and stress at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are typical excuses to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This sort of hidden alcohol consumption is a significant warning and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcohol dependence.
Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these struggling coworkers, family, and neighbors the assistance they need.
Symptoms 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 doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker managing substantial 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 doesn't mean that they are immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional path.
Below are some clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:
1. They drink instead of eating food.
alcohol addict will regularly remove and 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.
Drinking alcohol regularly over a long period of time can induce the body to become dependent on alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a good deal without the same hangover that torments the occasional drinker.
3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is forced to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often reciprocates adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics may change dramatically when they drink. A generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make careless choices.
5. They cannot have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has trouble stopping, 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. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.
Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not seem significantly intoxicated at the moment, but they're unable to remember events that happened.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.
When faced with issues surrounding their alcohol consumption, heavy users will generally regress to denial or aggression, making a dialogue difficult.
8. They always have a good reason for why they drink.
If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most alcoholics will have a somewhat reasonable explanation for their actions. Anxiety and stress at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are typical excuses to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They conceal their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This sort of hidden alcohol consumption is a significant warning and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcohol dependence.
Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these struggling coworkers, family, and neighbors the assistance they need.
Symptoms 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 doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker managing substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
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