Tell Tale Signs Of A HFA Or High Functioning Alcoholic

While alcohol dependence is a disastrous condition that can destroy lives, some people who struggle 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 substantial income.

But unfortunately, simply because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. alcoholism are still at risk of hurting themselves and others around them. As an example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional path.

Here are a few clues that can help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol in place of eating food.

Problem drinkers will often replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as a reason to start consuming alcohol.

2. They can wake up without a hangover, even after a number of drinks.

Drinking alcohol regularly over a long period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a good deal without the same hangover that tortures the occasional drinker.

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

If an alcoholic is required to abstain from drinking, his or her physical body commonly reacts adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can induce tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.

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

When they drink, problem drinkers may transform noticeably. A generally mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

A problem drinker has difficulties quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.

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6. Periods of memory loss or "blacking out" are common.

Many alcoholic s will participate in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not seem significantly intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to remember events that occurred.

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

When confronted with problem s surrounding their drinking, alcoholic s will generally regress to denial or aggression, making conversation hard.

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

alcoholism will have a relatively rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or hostility is not the opted for method of avoidance. Stress at work, problems in the home, or an abundance of social events are common reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This kind of covert drinking is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for their actions apart from alcohol addiction.

Let's try to keep our society productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these troubled coworkers, family members, and neighbors the assistance they need.

Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic

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 invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of causing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.