Understanding High Functioning Alcoholics: Do They Need Treatment & Detox?
Written by SolutionPoint Behavioral Health
What Is a High Functioning Alcoholic?
High functioning alcoholics are people who can drink in excess but do not appear to suffer any obvious negative consequence of their drinking. To the outside observer, these individuals seem to be living normal lives, achieving success, and generally functioning well - despite their excessive consumption of alcohol.
A high functioning alcoholic may also perform very well at work, pay bills, and appear to manage themselves and their households well. They may have a successful career, be well-educated, and have a great social life. But appearances can be deceiving.
In reality, these individuals have a drinking problem that is impacting their life in negative ways. Those classified as “high functioning” alcoholics may still be suffering from severe addiction and require treatment and detoxification just like any other alcoholic.
Not all alcoholics fit the mold of a heavy drinker who can’t hold down a job and whose life is quickly spiraling out of control. In fact, a United States government survey estimates that around 20 percent of alcoholics in the country can be considered high-functioning. Do those drinkers need detox?
Some high-functioning alcoholics are able to hide their drinking from loved ones, even as they struggle behind the scenes with their addiction. Others believe they are successfully maintaining a good home life while they’re actually hurting those they love the most.
And it’s not just friends and family a high-functioning alcoholic could be hurting. Habitual drinkers who are successful in their careers or personal lives may be doing a good job of hiding the severity of their struggle even from themselves. Perhaps they’re convinced their personality and likeability improve with alcohol or that social and work events are more rewarding for them when the alcohol is flowing.
Do High Functioning Alcoholics Need Treatment?
It's a common misconception that high functioning alcoholics don't need treatment or detox. This simply isn’t the case. Just because someone is able to maintain their job and daily responsibilities doesn't mean they're not struggling with alcoholism. Many high functioning alcoholics are in denial about their drinking problem and may not realize they need help until it's too late. In truth, alcoholism must be treated if there is any hope of living a full, long, satisfying life.
If you believe you or someone you know may be a high functioning alcoholic, it's important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Treatment can help individuals learn how to cope with their addiction and make healthy lifestyle changes. A sufficient alcohol detox time frame is also an important step in the recovery process, as it helps rid the body of harmful toxins that have built up due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Unfortunately, despite appearances, the negative effects of drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis are always present — regardless of whether or not the high-functioning alcoholic has fooled themselves or others about the depths of their addiction.
The mental, physical and legal risks high-functioning alcoholics face can become more and more devastating as time passes. Some potentially deadly drawbacks of excessive drinking include cirrhosis of the liver, strokes, and some types of cancer, among other issues. Statistically, high-functioning alcoholics also face legal risks connected to their drinking, such as a higher propensity to be arrested for drinking and driving.
Most importantly, being a high-functioning alcoholic means you have a chance to stop the destruction of your drinking before your life gets worse. Do you really want to wait until you lose everything before you make a change? What would you have to lose to stop? Your spouse or job? Why wait until that happens?
Signs and Symptoms of a High Functioning Alcoholic
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are several signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone is a high functioning alcoholic. These include:
Drinking more alcohol than intended or for longer periods of time than intended
Repeatedly being unable to remember what happened while drinking
Repeatedly trying to cut down or quit drinking but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from hangovers
Increasing alcohol consumption to compensate for tolerances
Missing work or other obligations due to drinking
Continuing to drink even though it is causing problems in relationships
Living With a High Functioning Alcoholic
Alcoholism touches every aspect of all relationships - not just the alcoholic. If you are close to, or living with a high functioning alcoholic, then you could be subjected to radical mood swings, or emotional or physical abuse, as these are common conditions most loved ones experience with living with an alcoholic.
Even if you are not facing abuse, seeing someone you love struggle with alcoholism can be devastating. Therefore, if you live with a functioning alcoholic, you should seek out help. Support groups, individual therapies, or 12-step programs for loved ones of alcoholics can be invaluable in terms of coping and communicating with someone who struggles with alcohol addiction.
How To Help a High Functioning Alcoholic
If you think you may have a drinking problem, or someone close to you does, it’s important to get functional alcoholic treatment as soon as possible. Alcoholism is a progressive disease, meaning it will only get worse over time.
There are many resources available to help people with drinking problems, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Professional counseling, therapy, and inpatient or outpatient treatment programs are crucial to high functioning alcoholic recovery. Our counselors and professionals specialize in high functioning alcoholic treatment and can provide the individualized care you or your loved one needs to live a freeing life without alcohol addiction.
How SolutionPoint Behavioral Health Can Help
SolutionPoint Behavioral Health offers comprehensive treatment for alcoholism, including detox and rehabilitation. Our experienced team of professionals will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
We understand that admitting you have a problem can be difficult, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. We offer a safe and supportive environment where you can begin the journey to recovery.
If you think you may be a high-functioning alcoholic and need help, contact us today for a private, discreet conversation about your drinking habits.
Or, if you're still not sure whether you're ready to make a change, check out our ebook on drug and alcohol abuse, HERE.
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