Alcoholism doesn’t always look the way you might think. Some people manage to keep their lives together on the outside while secretly struggling with alcohol dependence. These individuals are often referred to as high-functioning alcoholics. They may hold down jobs, maintain relationships, and appear to live a normal life, but behind the scenes, alcohol is taking a heavy toll.
Let’s explore 8 signs that could indicate someone is a high-functioning alcoholic. Understanding these signs can help you or someone you care about before things get worse.
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Using Alcohol to Cope with Stress
High-functioning alcoholics often turn to alcohol as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions. After a long day, they might reach for a drink to unwind, feeling like it’s the only way to truly relax. This habit can start off innocently enough, like having a drink after work, but over time it becomes a go-to solution for any emotional discomfort. When someone regularly relies on alcohol to manage their feelings, it’s a sign that they might be struggling more than they’re letting on.
Keeping Their Drinking a Secret
Another sign is when someone goes out of their way to hide how much they’re drinking. They might have a drink or two in front of others but secretly consume much more when alone. This secrecy can include hiding bottles around the house, drinking before social events to “pre-game,” or lying about how much they’ve had.
Drinking at Odd Times
Drinking at times when most people wouldn’t, like first thing in the morning or during work hours, is another red flag. High-functioning alcoholics might justify this behavior by saying they need a drink to steady their nerves or help them get through the day. They may not see it as a problem because they can still fulfill their responsibilities, but regularly drinking at unusual times is a clear sign that alcohol is taking control.
Needing More Alcohol to Feel the Effects
As their drinking increases, a high-functioning alcoholic often needs more alcohol to get the same buzz. This is known as developing a tolerance. Where one or two drinks used to be enough, they might now need four or five to feel anything. This increased tolerance can be dangerous because it often leads to drinking larger quantities, putting more strain on the body and increasing the risk of serious health problems.
Neglecting Important Responsibilities
Even though they might appear to have it all together, high-functioning alcoholics often start to neglect important responsibilities. This could mean missing work deadlines, not keeping up with household chores, or being emotionally absent in relationships. They might make excuses for their lapses, blaming stress or being busy, but the truth is that alcohol is starting to interfere with their ability to manage their life effectively.
Changes in Behavior or Personality
You might notice that their behavior or personality changes when they’re drinking or even when they’re sober. They could become more irritable, defensive, or withdrawn. These changes might be subtle at first, but over time, they can become more pronounced. Alcohol can alter mood and behavior in ways that aren’t always obvious to the person drinking, but can be quite noticeable to those around them.
Regularly Suffering from Hangovers
High-functioning alcoholics often experience frequent hangovers but brush them off as just part of their routine. They might joke about needing a strong coffee to get through the morning or seem unfazed by feeling sick or tired. Despite the physical toll, they continue to drink heavily. Regular hangovers are a sign that their body is struggling to cope with the amount of alcohol they’re consuming, yet they keep going as if it’s normal.
Refusing to Acknowledge the Problem
Perhaps the most telling sign is when someone refuses to acknowledge that they have a problem. They might insist that they have their drinking under control and get defensive if someone expresses concern. This denial is a major barrier to getting help because it prevents them from seeing the full impact of their alcohol use. They might believe that as long as they can keep up with their daily life, there’s no issue, but in reality, the problem is just being masked.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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