If you are able to be open with them about your drinking, they may help you get on the path to sobriety, and ensure that you do it in a safe and healthy way. This is especially valuable since withdrawing from alcohol can be dangerous or even deadly if you try to stop on your own. However, just because the full extent of their disorder is not obvious, it does not mean that alcohol is not a problem for them. Often, these people struggle in secret, or they are experiencing severe biological consequences that aren’t readily present to the rest of the world. Alternatively, they are going through emotional challenges that it’s impossible to know by simply looking at someone.

Ready to Overcome Addiction?

However, just because someone does not fit the traditional image of an alcoholic does not mean they are not suffering from addiction. When people think of alcoholism, they often picture a pattern that disrupts almost every aspect of an individual’s life. People can have a varied reaction and tolerance to alcohol,l and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are alcoholics. However, as functioning alcoholics drink more regularly, they develop a higher tolerance. They still want to feel the buzz or numb out from their problems for a while, so they will begin drinking more as their tolerance to alcohol increases. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Looking for Alcohol Rehab in San Diego? Look No Further Than BOLD Health.

• Early intervention can also help you receive treatment at a lower level of care.
• There are hundreds of resources all over the country designed to address the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction.
• High-functioning alcoholics can benefit from having an at-home support system before, during and after any form of treatment for their addiction.
• This hidden struggle can lead to severe health problems, relationship issues and a decline in mental well-being over time.
• Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who are trying to recover from a codependent relationship.
• There are empathetic, actionable ways to support someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) who may be stuck in denial.

The pressure to perform can https://ecosoberhouse.com/ drive them to rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism, creating a vicious cycle. Over time, the emotional toll of balancing high performance with addiction can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health issues. It’s easy to dismiss signs, excuse behaviors, or assume everything is fine.

High-Functioning vs. Non-High-Functioning Alcoholism

This is where family, friends and medical professionals can work together to create a plan to help end this cycle before they do more harm to themselves. Ryan is a licensed CSW high functioning alcoholic and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor with over 12 years of experience in the field. After having worked in various private and hospital-based settings, with diverse clients across the socio-economic spectrum, Ryan has been in roles overseeing clinical operations. First, the person may believe that they are performing well on the job or that their loved ones and friends aren’t affected, but the reality can be much different. In addition, they may fit the description of a high-functioning alcoholic in the early phases, but as time goes on, they may show more and more signs of falling apart as the addiction progresses. However, these individuals still have to deal with the effects of alcohol abuse, including mental and physical health problems.

These signs are not a definitive diagnosis, but they serve as a crucial wake-up call. If you recognize these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, it’s time to break the silence. Important tasks are neglected, deadlines are missed, and amphetamine addiction treatment work performance suffers. Family obligations take a backseat, and social commitments become a burden.

• To help provide professional support, a counselor or a therapist can also be present.
• Through one-on-one sessions with a therapist, individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors surrounding alcohol use.
• Alcohol addiction can have a devastating effect on someone’s life, but how long it takes someone’s drinking problem to affect their daily functioning will differ from person to person.
• The above symptoms can be true for anyone dealing with alcohol use disorder.
• Offer support in researching treatment options and help them understand the benefits of seeking professional help.
• Many high-functioning alcoholics might benefit from programs specifically designed for busy professionals.
• Alcohol-related heart issues, accidents, and mental health complications are also common.

It’s similar to drug abuse, in that the individual feels like they have no other option besides substance abuse. Inpatient programs are the best choice for those looking to overcome alcohol abuse and alcoholism. This allows you to focus solely on overcoming your addiction without outside responsibilities or stress. To avoid these conversations, you or your loved one might hide their alcohol consumption. For example, you may consume excessive alcohol before attending an event. So it may look like you only had a few drinks, but in reality, you’d already had twice as much before arriving.