What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
Many people don’t get the proper addiction help that they need. There are many reasons for this, but one of the biggest reasons is that many people don’t think that they have a problem because they are still functioning on a day-to-day basis. These individuals are often referred to as a high-functioning alcoholic. Also, these people need help, even if they feel that they are managing their drinking issues. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for helping a high-functioning alcoholic.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects more people than many people may understand. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “28.9 million people ages 12 and older (10.2% in this age group) had AUD in the past year. This includes 16.8 million males ages 12 and older (12.1% in this age group),” and “12.0 million females ages 12 and older (8.3% in this age group).”
Many people are also under the misconception that AUD is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply not the case. AUD is a disease. In fact, AUD has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease than it does with a choice.
AUD is also under the category of “family disease.” This is because it affects many more people than just the individual who is struggling. However, there is a silver lining. While the family is often the most affected, they also have the greatest opportunity to get their loved one the help they need. But, to do this, they must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of AUD.
The Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
The signs and symptoms of AUD are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of AUD. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Often, people minimize AUD, or falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. This is also true for the high-functioning alcoholic.
What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
A high-functioning alcoholic is more than someone who can merely function on a day-to-day basis. According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), “[W]hether someone who is abusing alcohol or substances is ‘high-functioning’ often depends less on the individual and more on whether family, friends, and colleagues accommodate the addiction… When those with addictions ‘hit bottom,’ it may not be because their lifestyles have radically changed but ‘because the people around them are just fed up.’”
The good news is that when these loved ones are fed up, there are many options for recovering from alcoholism. This includes modalities like psychotherapy, experiential therapy, and holistic healing methods. It also includes 12-Step recovery.
Recovery for the High-Functioning Alcoholic
One of the best options for the high-functioning alcoholic to recover is to join a 12-Step recovery group (this is in addition to other modalities like psychotherapy. This is because working with other people in recovery can be critical for success.
12-Step recovery also offers an opportunity for reflection and a chance to make “amends.” This “amends process” can be critical if the entire family is going to heal. This also makes the chances for a relapse much less likely.
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future.
It doesn’t matter whether one is a “low-bottom” alcoholic or a high-functioning alcoholic; the disease remains the same. The good news is the solution remains the same too. Recovery is possible. We can help.
Many people who have alcohol use disorder (AUD) don’t realize it because they are “high-functioning.” It is important to understand what a high-functioning alcoholic is and how one can best get help for AUD. One should remember that addiction is not selective and it can affect anyone who excessively uses alcohol. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
