Tell Tale Signs Of A HFA Or High Functioning Alcoholic

While alcoholism is a disastrous disease that can destroy lives, some people who struggle 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 neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Even so, simply because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For instance, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.

Listed below are some clues that can help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They drink rather than eating.

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

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

Drinking alcohol routinely over an extended period of time can induce the body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics manage to drink a lot without having the same hangover that plagues the random drinker.

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

If an alcoholic is required to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her body often reciprocates negatively, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can induce tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.

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

When they drink, problem drinkers may transform dramatically. For example, a typically pleasant person may become aggressive, or make impulsive choices.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. alcohol dependence will certainly 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 next day. They may not appear significantly drunk at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that took place.

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

When confronted with matters surrounding their drinking, alcoholics will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making a dialogue difficult.

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

If flat denial or hostility is not the chosen mode of avoidance, most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their behavior. Stress at work, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social functions are prevalent excuses to explain their damaging behavior.
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9. They hide their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This kind of hidden alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcohol addiction .

Let's try to keep our world productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable actions in order to get these struggling coworkers, family, and friends 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 cool cars, live in great communities, and make a substantial 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 unsteady hands, or a financier handling considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive path.