Tell Tale Clues Of A HFA Or High Functioning Alcoholic

While alcohol dependence is a devastating disease that can destroy lives, a few people who battle with it manage to keep 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 substantial income.

Even so, simply 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. 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 inducing terrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional course.

Below are a number of warning signs that can really help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol instead of eating food.

Problem drinkers will commonly replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as an excuse to start drinking.

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


On occasion folks consume booze due to anxiety
Consuming alcohol regularly over a substantial period of time can trigger the physical body to become addicted to alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a good deal without having the same hangover that tortures the random drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, anxious, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her body often reciprocates negatively, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce tension and anxiety, nervousness, 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 alter noticeably. A typically mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make careless decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

A problem drinker 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.

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6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.

Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear significantly intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to remember activities that happened.

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

When faced with alcoholism surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcoholics will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making conversation difficult.

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

Most problem drinkers will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or hostility is not the chosen mode of avoidance. Stress at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social activities are prevalent reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This sort of covert drinking is a significant warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from alcohol addiction .

Let's try to keep our world productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for dubious actions to get these struggling colleagues, family members, and friends the help they need.

Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.

Just 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 considerable sums of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.