What is a Functioning Alcoholic? Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

During an intervention, loved ones come together to share how someone’s drinking is affecting them and show their support if the person decides to get help. Many resources are available, whether you want to help yourself or someone you care about. For some people, as mentioned, the first resource could be speaking to their primary care provider, who can help them understand the next steps. There are also peer support groups that include 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as other options like the SMART Recovery program.

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My understanding of HFAs is also from a personal perspective—I have been in recovery from alcoholism for almost five years. I, too, struggled to see that I could be accomplished academically and then professionally while drinking alcoholically. My image of the alcoholic was always an individual who could not hold his or her life together, and I certainly did not fit that description. My denial was deeply rooted and was reinforced not only by my loved ones but by society as a whole. The term high functioning alcoholic is no longer in use in the medical community.

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For this reason, these factors are a part of the diagnostic criteria. People should note that the term “high functioning alcoholic” is no longer in use within the medical community. This is due to the potentially stigmatizing language around the word “alcoholic”, which may also prevent someone from seeking help and support.

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Consider having an open and honest discussion with your loved one about their alcohol use and encourage them to discuss it with a counselor or their primary care doctor. A “functional alcoholic” (or “high-functioning alcoholic”) isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but a term used colloquially to describe a person who is dependent upon alcohol but can still function in society. The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely.

A moderate AUD includes four to five symptoms, and a severe AUD includes six or more symptoms. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Health is the next important area to be negatively affected by drinking. It can take many months or years for alcohol-related health problems, such as liver damage and cancer risk, to manifest. However, once they do, they can turn into chronic and life-altering health issues.

While their appearance may not be any different and they can still fulfill their responsibilities, you’ll start to see a pattern develop of turning to alcohol to cope with family, work or personal issues. The classic picture of someone with alcohol use disorder is someone who always drinks too much and whose life is falling apart because of it. However, only a medical professional can diagnose someone with an AUD and determine the severity of their AUD. But it’s possible to treat the “functioning addict” before the facade crumbles, and addiction specialists say workplace health programs should take a more proactive approach, says Butt.

There can also be declines in their mental and overall health, especially if they’re not eating healthy diets or engaging in physical activity. You may begin to notice that a couple of beers after work has turned into a six-pack or sun rocks strain even a case. As time goes on and tolerance increases, they may attempt to hide the growing problem, and a growing number of empty bottles or cans, from friends and family.

There are hundreds of resources all over the country designed to address the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction. Although you may still hear people talking about “alcoholism” or “alcohol abuse,” the official term is alcohol use disorder (AUD). And it’s all still problem drinking, even if you think it’s “mild.” If AUD goes unrecognized and untreated, it’s linked to risks in many aspects of your health and life. American Addiction Centers offers a range of treatment services in facilities across the country to help treat alcohol use disorders.

They say things like, “we can’t let these drinks go to waste” or “rehab is for quitters.” They laugh about how much alcohol they consume on a daily basis and try to make light of a serious situation. In reality, they’re in deep denial about the reality of their addiction. Just because someone is high-functioning doesn’t mean they’re not at risk of hurting themselves or others as a result of their drinking. It’s important to treat high-functioning alcoholics just like all other addicts by helping them realize the severity of their addiction and encouraging them to seek treatment. Both binge drinking and heavy drinking patterns increase a person’s risk of AUD and are common behaviors among people with AUD. It is not uncommon for individuals with AUD to experience conflict with family and friends, and have drinking negatively impact their job, schooling, and overall safety.

1. These people appear successful and healthy despite a possible underlying alcohol use disorder.
2. The face of the alcoholic needs to be changed and the walls of denial must be broken down in order that alcoholics everywhere can receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition.
4. Alcoholics can go on to develop heart, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
5. Therefore, they continue to drink to keep the withdrawals at bay, and the cycle continues.

More recently, a 2020 study found that people who used alcohol to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to drink alone and drink to excessive amounts. Researchers cited further risk factors, such as having a child under 18 and at home, having depression, and having fewer social interactions due to the pandemic. People who are concerned about their drinking habits, and those who are showing signs of an AUD, may wish to reach out for help and support. According to the NIAAA, the majority of people with an AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 95,000 people lose their lives every year due to excessive alcohol use. A person who appears to be managing their alcohol intake but is experiencing issues with their relationship to alcohol has what is now known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).