High-functioning alcoholism, a subset of alcohol use disorders (AUD), presents unique challenges in identification due to the individual’s ability to maintain outward appearances of normalcy. However, professionals recognize several criteria indicative of this condition. A hallmark sign is the development of a functional tolerance to alcohol, where individuals high functioning alcoholic exhibit few signs of intoxication despite high blood alcohol concentrations, which would typically be incapacitating. This tolerance often leads to dangerous levels of consumption with significant health risks. Alcoholism can take a devastating toll on a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, personal relationships and professional life.
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. There may come a point where the HFA in your life is unwilling to seek help and is continuing to drink alcoholically despite your efforts to offer help. If you make it clear that your loved one’s drinking is leading you to put distance in your relationship, it may have an impact as well as protect you from the emotional toll of having an active alcoholic in your life. We got guilt feelings when we stood up for ourselves rather than giving in to others. Thus, we became reactors, rather than actors, letting others take the initiative.
These behaviors, while not exhaustive, are significant red flags and may help in identifying individuals who are high-functioning alcoholics. It is important to recognize that despite their ability to uphold responsibilities, these individuals are at risk for severe health and social consequences related to their alcohol use. Research shows that early identification and intervention are crucial for effective treatment outcomes. With high-functioning alcoholics, the negative consequences of their drinking may be obscured by their outward successes. In many cases, their addiction is taking a gradual toll, but because they have good jobs, perform the expected tasks of daily life, and avoid legal problems, the problematic effects are not yet observable. Alcoholism affects everyone in a household — not just the individual who drinks.
You can also dispel some of the myths and stereotypes about alcoholics that I have written about in other blog posts on this site and in my book Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic. You can help to slowly chip away at his or her denial, but it is also important to come from a place of compassion and not from a position of judgment. To prevent fetal alcohol syndrome, don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy. As with anyone who’s struggling with an alcohol dependency, acceptance is an initial but significant step. From here, there are many things you can do to help get you on a path to recovery. This particular holiday season may pose greater challenges than those in the past for individuals in early sobriety.
The prevalence of high-functioning alcoholism is not explicitly stated in most studies, as it often goes undetected due to the absence of apparent life dysfunction. However, examining general alcohol consumption patterns and behaviors can provide insights into its potential scope. Unfortunately, high-functioning alcoholism, as a secret or undiagnosed disorder, can be more dangerous than obvious, debilitating alcoholism. This is because high-functioning alcoholics are often in denial about their addiction, so they are less likely to seek treatment.
