While alcohol dependence is a devastating condition that can ruin lives, some people who battle with it manage to hold down big responsibilities and stressful jobs. 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 doesn't mean that they are immune to the repercussions 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 financier managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of causing terrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional course.

Below are some clues that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol rather than eating food.

Problem drinkers will often replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to begin drinking.

2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after a number of drinks.

Consuming alcohol regularly over a long period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholic s manage to drink a good deal without having the same hangover that tortures the not habitual drinker.

3. alcoholism makes them cranky, anxious, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to abstain from drinking, his or her body often responds adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can cause tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.


4. Their behavior patterns change noticeably while under the influence of booze.

Alcoholics may alter dramatically when they drink. For example, a typically mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impulsive choices.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

alcoholism has a problem quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.

Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no memory of the following day. addiction may not appear extremely drunk at the time, but they're unable to remember activities that happened.

7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.

When faced with matters surrounding their drinking, alcoholics will typically regress to denial or hostility, making discussion difficult.

8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.

If flat denial or hostility is not the chosen mode of avoidance, most alcoholics will have a seemingly reasonable explanation for their behavior. alcoholism and anxiety at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social events are typical reasons to explain their damaging behavior.

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9. alcoholism conceal their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This sort of covert drinking is an enormous red flag and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from alcohol dependence.

Let's keep our community productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior to get these struggling colleagues, family members, and friends the help they need.

Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. addiction can drive cool cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.

Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.