While alcoholism is a disastrous condition that can ruin lives, some 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.

But unfortunately, simply because they are high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. As an example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of inducing horrendous disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional course.

Listed below are some warning signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They drink in place of eating.

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

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

Consuming alcohol routinely over an extended period of time can trigger the physical body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholic s manage to drink a great deal without having the same hangover that torments the occasional drinker.

3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often responds negatively, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger tension and anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.


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

When they drink, alcoholics may change noticeably. For example, a typically mild-mannered individual may become belligerent, or make careless decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

A problem drinker has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze 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 typical.

Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not appear significantly intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to recall activities that happened.

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

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

8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.

If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen method of avoidance, most problem drinkers will have a somewhat reasonable explanation for their actions. Stress at work, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are typical reasons to explain their damaging behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many alcoholic s will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This kind of covert alcohol consumption is a tremendous red flag and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcohol dependence.

Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable actions to get these struggling coworkers, family, and neighbors the help they need.



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Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great communities, and make a substantial income.

Simply 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 trembling hands, or a financier handling substantial sums of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.