Binge episodes account for 73% of their drinking days, with some consuming 14 drinks per session. Seeking proper treatment is vital to prevent the risks listed above and recover from functioning AUD. You don’t have to wait for a breaking point — healing can start now.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

Avoid discussing the issue during or immediately following a bout of heavy drinking, when emotions (and possibly intoxication) can cloud judgment. However, it’s essential to understand that this ability to function does not negate the presence or seriousness of an addiction. Instead, it masks the problem, often leading to delayed recognition and treatment.

Breaking the Myth of the Functioning Alcoholic

Similarly, a high-achieving college student may maintain an impressive GPA even as they binge drink on weekends to ease exam stress. Likewise, a dedicated parent might balance a demanding job and family life, yet secretly consume excessive alcohol to manage deep-seated anxiety. These examples illustrate that even those who appear to function well can be grappling with serious alcohol dependency. With the right treatment and support, a functioning alcoholic can overcome alcohol use disorder and be equipped with healthy, safe ways to navigate stress and daily life.

Is Addiction a Disease?

This is why psychological counseling, such as talk therapy, is important if you’re recovering from AUD. This can help you learn new coping skills so you can turn to other behaviors instead of drinking in order to live a healthier life. A doctor may heroin addiction also diagnose AUD by asking about your health history and drinking patterns.

Non-high-functioning alcoholics show more outward symptoms of alcohol addiction. They may exhibit physical signs of drinking, isolate themselves from others, and drink in a way that disrupts their responsibilities, jobs, and relationships. Alcohol is a socially accepted substance that is often at the center of celebrations and social gatherings. functioning alcoholic Plenty of people drink on a regular basis, using alcohol as a social lubricant or for temporary stress relief. While most individuals don’t intend on becoming addicted to alcohol, drinking regularly can lead to alcohol use disorder, which includes potentially becoming a highly-functioning alcoholic.

They often display a high tolerance for alcohol, masking the extent of their dependency by maintaining outward appearances https://www.serkanozgoz.com/dual-diagnosis-treatment-integrated-care-for-co-3/ of success. The picture of someone struggling with alcohol abuse disorder is often one where people struggle to live life normally as they battle a dependency on alcohol. For many people struggling with addiction this is true, but for someone with functioning alcoholism this isn’t the case. Seeking professional treatment for alcohol addiction is a crucial step towards recovery. Specialized substance abuse treatment programs provide structured rehabilitation, including counseling and evidence-based practices. Alcoholism isn’t always easy to identify, especially when it comes to high-functioning alcoholics.

• Alcohol use disorder does not always fit the stereotype of someone whose life is visibly falling apart.
• However, as functioning alcoholics drink more regularly, they develop a higher tolerance.
• Seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness — it’s a courageous step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• Conversely, you should not encourage drinking, mitigate the effects of alcoholism, and solve problems for the alcoholic.

The Risks and Consequences of Functional Alcoholism

In the short term, alcohol use increases the risk for alcohol poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome, accidents, injuries, violence, and risky sexual behavior. They may try to quit independently, but the withdrawals are too unpleasant or severe. Therefore, they continue to drink to keep the withdrawals at bay, and the cycle continues. Drinking rarely causes them to miss work and other obligations (although it does happen occasionally). They are usually able to manage areas of life including jobs, homes, and families. Early help can prevent serious health problems and mend relationships before more damage is done.