The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for helping a high-functioning alcoholic. If alcohol use affects your physical health, emotions, or relationships, it may be time to seek help. Denial is common among functional alcoholics, but professional evaluation can help determine if treatment is necessary. Without treatment, functional alcoholics risk severe addiction, job loss, health crises, and complete loss of control over their drinking. A functional alcoholic is someone who exhibits signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD) while still managing daily responsibilities.

Tolerance is often framed as “I can handle my liquor,” but physiologically it signals adaptation and potential dependence. Outpatient treatment is more flexible than inpatient treatment and is typically best for those with mild cases of alcoholism. Patients do not live at the treatment facility; they return home at the end of the day.

High Functioning vs Non-High Functioning Alcoholics

High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease. Understanding alcoholism can be challenging, particularly when it manifests in people who appear to function normally in most areas of life. This can make it more difficult for others (and even the individual themselves) to recognize a problem.

Common Signs Of High-Functioning Alcoholism

They may have a thriving career, a living family, and a vibrant social circle. On the surface, you would never imagine that they are quietly battling alcoholism. This is the hidden reality of high-functioning alcoholism, a condition where outward “success” masks the inner turmoil of alcohol abuse.

High-Functioning Alcohol Users: Signs, Habits, and Traits

These episodes involve consuming a large amount of alcohol in a relatively short period, often to get drunk. Binge drinking can have serious health consequences and increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and legal problems. Another sign of a high-functioning alcoholic is an unusually high tolerance for alcohol. Over time, their bodies adapt to the increasing levels of alcohol consumption, making it necessary for them to drink larger quantities to achieve the desired effects. This tolerance can be concerning because it often leads to more excessive and dangerous drinking patterns. ‍Alcohol can have noticeable effects on someone’s mood and behaviors.

• Stay close to family and friends while getting the support you need.
• The aftermath of a heavy drinking episode can be filled with shame, regret, and self-loathing.
• Behavioral and other types of therapy are instrumental to help manage cravings, cope with triggers, prevent relapse and discover the root cause of the substance use disorder.
• When someone regularly drinks alcohol, they may develop a tolerance.
• These services can significantly improve health and well-being, breaking the cycle of addiction.

Neglecting Responsibilities and Self-Care

One of the main reasons that people who misuse alcohol seek help is the eventual negative consequences of their alcohol consumption. When the pain or embarrassment gets bad enough, they can no longer deny that their drinking needs to be addressed. The liver can start recovering a few days to weeks after your last drink. In the case of long-term excessive alcohol intake, the damage to the liver may not be reversible. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can choose to join an intensive outpatient program.

Data from the National Comorbidity Survey found that as much as 25 percent of functioning alcoholics also suffer from depression. When you consider that mental illness can’t be treated alone and won’t just go away, it’s clear to see that your loved one needs help. If they can hold themselves to that limit, they rationalize away any alcohol addiction.

• Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica’s empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.
• Verify your insurance today – treatment could be more affordable than you think.
• They might exhibit patterns such as abstaining from drinking during the week and binge drinking on weekends, further complicating the identification of their condition.
• For example, a family history of alcoholism or a stressful environment.
• Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time.

However, just because someone does not fit the traditional image of an alcoholic does not mean they are not suffering from addiction. Some high-functioning alcoholics believe that alcohol helps them perform better. They might feel that it relaxes them enough to socialize effectively, fuels their creativity, or helps them “manage” the pressure of work or life. High-functioning alcoholics often rely on alcohol as part of their routine. They may make excuses for drinking regularly, like “I deserve it” or “It’s just one glass.” Over time, this regular consumption worsens into dependency.

Orlando Recovery Center specializes in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. In certain circumstances, they might even reason that alcohol actually helps them perform better than being sober. Some alcoholics truly believe this, as being intoxicated helps them feel more confident in their abilities, while others are intentionally using it as a cover for the amount they drink. To learn more about addiction treatment and recovery resources, please contact a Recovery Advocate at The Recovery Village Atlanta Drug and Alcohol Rehab today. We specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

Some people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) can even seemingly function well in daily life and cover up the problem for an extended time. If the individual remains in denial or refuses to seek help, a formal intervention led by a clinician or intervention specialist may be necessary. In these carefully managed sessions, friends, family, and colleagues can share how the person’s alcohol use affects them and lovingly but firmly insist on treatment. The challenge is that each heroin addiction sign can be masked by the individual’s overall capacity to fulfill responsibilities.

Specialized substance abuse treatment programs provide structured rehabilitation, including counseling and evidence-based practices. Alcohol use disorder does not always fit the stereotype of someone whose life is visibly falling apart. Many people maintain careers, relationships, and daily responsibilities while struggling with alcohol dependency behind the scenes.