They tend to drink heavily while at a party or bar, and when it comes time for last call, they quickly down their drink then run to the bar to order another. Also, high-functioning alcoholics will finish the drinks of others and never leave a drink on the table. Even if the signs are not immediately visible, the long-term consequences can be severe. Friends and family may not notice the problem immediately, but over time, the impact becomes evident.

How to help a person with AUD?

Medications can also assist in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. High-functioning alcoholics often neglect activities that once brought joy, which are crucial for mental health and overall well-being. This neglect can lead to a loss of passion and a diminished quality of life. Pursuing hobbies and personal interests provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. While social drinking is a common part of our culture, it’s different from «responsible drinking» which emphasizes moderation and safety.

Dangers of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Such groups can offer valuable support, encouragement, advice, and information. In the short term, alcohol use increases the risk for alcohol poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome, accidents, injuries, violence, and risky sexual behavior. They may try to quit independently, but the withdrawals are too unpleasant or severe. Therefore, they continue to drink to keep the withdrawals at bay, and the cycle continues.

• In this article, we’ll explore the definition, signs, and complexities of high-functioning alcoholism.
• For this reason, it is hard to determine exactly how many people might have high-functioning AUD.
• If you or someone you know shows signs of high-functioning alcoholism, it’s essential to seek professional help .
• Alcohol use disorder starts slowly and worsens over time, which can make it difficult for people to realise that a problem is developing.
• Their professional status or personal success can make it hard to approach them about having a “problem” with alcohol.

More on Substance Abuse and Addiction

If people with high functioning AUD do not get treatment, the disease may progress to a point at which their dependence significantly impacts their day-to-day lives. Instead, the DSM-5 has established AUD as the term to replace previous stigmatizing terms such as alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism. Many alcoholics use denial or aggression as their chosen mode of avoidance, but others have a seemingly high functioning alcoholic rational explanation for their behavior. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the typical high-functioning alcoholic is a middle-aged, well-educated person with a stable job and a family. In this article, we’ll explore the definition, signs, and complexities of high-functioning alcoholism. Let’s dive deeper into what it means to be a high-functioning alcoholic and how to recognize the signs.

Social drinking

An intervention should follow a specific process for optimal results, and to ease potential risks that can occur. This is one of the main reasons many seek out a professional interventionist when the time comes. These professionals can decide on the best method, based on your knowledge of the addict, and offer guidance throughout the process. If you would like to stage an intervention on your own, it is recommendable to consult with a professional beforehand to come up with the best course of action. Their need for alcohol causes them to adjust their priorities and they will begin to deal with problems that develop because of their habits. For example, their loved ones start questioning their actions and mental state.

• If someone you love has a problem with addiction, it is vital that you only offer constructive support.
• Inevitably, the effects of heavy alcohol use on the body and mind take their toll.
• The most well-known support group is Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are many other 12-step programs.

Medical Professionals

These tests are provided by a healthcare professional and go in depth about your relationship with alcohol. The test helps give your doctor an idea of what treatment is best for you. The signs and symptoms listed above should be a good indicator of high-functioning alcoholism. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Because of this appearance, their problem doesn’t seem as severe as other types of alcoholism. As their reliance on alcohol increases, you may begin to notice that your loved one downplays the role alcohol has in their lives and makes excuses for their actions, especially their drinking.

What are the risk factors for high-functioning AUD?