Are You a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

What’s the first thing you imagine when you hear the words “alcohol abuse?”

You probably think of someone who is always drinking and whose life is falling apart because of their addiction.

But, that’s not always the case.

Some people can have a normal family life and quite successful careers despite abusing alcohol. They are called “high-functioning alcoholics” and even though they may be looking and doing fine, this is a substance abuse issue that needs to be dealt with proper care under the supervision of the experts like those available at alcohol rehab at WhiteSands. But before getting into the details of treatment options, let’s first understand what high-functioning alcoholics actually mean in detail.

What Is High-Functioning Alcoholism

When most people think about alcohol abuse, they think of someone who can’t control themselves and is using alcohol compulsively. However, some individuals can be abuse alcohol and still function properly in society. This person looks healthy and behaves normally, but they are always craving and thinking about alcohol. If the signs are not noticed promptly, they can lead to more severe levels of addiction.

How to Identify a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Most high-functioning alcoholics seem to be healthy individuals with relatively successful careers and a family. Their behavior usually seems normal at first and very few things point to the fact that they may be struggling with alcohol abuse disorder.

Here are some of the characteristics of a high-functioning alcoholic:

• They pour themselves a drink the second they get home or they often stop at a bar after work;
• They get irritable if they can’t get a drink.
• They drink higher amounts, more often, and for longer periods than intended.
• They drink early in the day and tend to hide alcohol around the house.
• They are denying that they might have a problem and continue drinking even after being confronted.
• They often joke about alcoholism or jokingly agree that they have a problem.
• They often forget what they did while drinking.

The Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism

High-functioning alcoholics manage to trick people that they have their life together and don’t need help for their alcohol abuse. More often than not, that’s not the case. High-functioning alcoholics can put themselves or others in danger by engaging in risky behavior, such as driving under the influence, having unprotected sexual encounters, or blacking out.

Alcohol abuse can also lead to long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure, liver disease, brain damage, pancreatitis, and others.

Get Specialized Help as Soon as Possible

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, get in touch with your doctor and ask them to direct you toward a rehab center. The treatment for high-functioning alcoholism is similar to that of any type of alcohol abuse disorder, but your doctor can help you find a center that meets your needs best. You can then decide if you would like to opt for outpatient or inpatient rehab treatment.

Try to remember that alcohol abuse is a disease and just like any disease, it can’t be treated with pure will. You will need proper treatment and the help and guidance of a professional at our rehab cape town.