While alcohol dependence is a devastating illness that can ruin lives, some people who battle with it manage to hold down stressful jobs and big responsibilities. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
But unfortunately, just because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still at risk of harming themselves and others around them. As an example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of causing horrendous disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional course.
Listed below are a number of signs that can help in recognizing these time bombs:
1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.
Alcoholics will commonly replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to begin consuming alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after a number of drinks.
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Consuming alcohol regularly over an extended period of time can trigger the body to become dependent on alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a good deal without having the same hangover that torments the not habitual drinker.
3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, nervous, or uncomfortable.
If an alcoholic is required to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her physical body regularly reacts negatively, as they are dependent on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can cause tension and anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a rapid heart rate, and even seizures.
4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of booze.
Problem drinkers may transform noticeably when they drink. A generally mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make careless choices.
5. They can't have just two drinks.
A problem drinker has difficulties stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.
6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.
Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no memory of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're unable to recall events that took place.
7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.
When confronted with issues surrounding their alcohol consumption, heavy users will typically regress to denial or aggression, making conversation hard.
8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.
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If flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of evasion, most alcoholics will have a somewhat reasonable explanation for their behavior. Anxiety and stress at work, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are prevalent excuses to explain their destructive behavior.
9. They hide their alcohol.
Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This kind of covert alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcoholism.
Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for problematic actions to get these struggling colleagues, family members, and friends the help they need.
Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic
From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.
Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.
