Some Signs Of A High-Functioning-Alcoholic

While alcohol dependence is a disastrous disease that can ruin lives, a number of 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 neighborhoods, and make a significant income.

Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of hurting 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 causing terrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional path.

Listed below are a few signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol in place of eating food.

Problem drinkers will commonly replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start drinking.

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

Drinking alcohol routinely over a long period of time can trigger the physical body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics manage to drink a great deal without having the same hangover that tortures the occasional drinker.

3. Abstaining makes them cranky, jittery, or uncomfortable.

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

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

Alcoholics may transform noticeably when they drink. For example, a generally pleasant person may become belligerent, or make careless choices.

5. They can't have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has difficulties stopping, 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 prevalent.

Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not seem extremely drunk at the time, but they're not able to recall activities that happened.

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

When faced with matters involving their alcohol consumption, alcoholics will generally regress to denial or hostility, making a dialogue difficult.

8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.

If flat denial or hostility is not the chosen mode of evasion, most problem drinkers will have a somewhat reasonable explanation for their actions. Anxiety and stress at the workplace, problems in the home, or an abundance of social functions are common excuses 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 car. This sort of covert drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcohol addiction .

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

Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholic s appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.
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Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.