Some Indications Of A High Functioning Alcoholic (HFA)

While alcoholism is a disastrous illness that can ruin lives, some people who battle 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 great communities, and make a substantial income.

Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still at risk of hurting themselves and others around them. As an example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrendous disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional path.

Below are some clues that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They drink instead of eating.

Alcoholics will often remove and replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as justification to start consuming alcohol.

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

Drinking 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 lot without having the same hangover that tortures the random drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them irritable, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her body often responds negatively, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can induce tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.

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

When they drink, alcoholic s may change dramatically. A generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make impetuous decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.


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An alcoholic has difficulties 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 memory loss or "blacking out" are common.

Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not seem extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to remember events that occurred.

7. Efforts to talk about drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.

When faced with problems involving their drinking, alcoholics will typically retreat to denial or hostility, making discussion difficult.

8. They always have a good explanation for why they drink.

If flat denial or aggression is not the opted for method of avoidance, most problem drinkers will have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior. Stress at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social events 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 workspace or in their car. This type of covert drinking is a tremendous red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions other than alcoholism .

Let's keep our world productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior 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 appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.

Simply 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 unsteady hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of causing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.