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CBT helps patients peel back the metaphorical layers, allowing them to understand the factors contributing to their alcohol use disorder. Through CBT, those in recovery can also learn healthier ways to deal with possible triggers and cravings moving forward. Medical detox just means that you will go through the withdrawal process under medical supervision, but it doesn’t necessarily require you to check in to a treatment facility. In fact, many individuals experience medical detox at an outpatient level, while individuals with more serious addictions may opt for an inpatient medical detox situation. A doctor can check a person’s drinking levels and recommend further treatment options. The more a person drinks, the more at risk they are of developing severe alcohol use disorder.
It is not uncommon for individuals with AUD to experience conflict with family and friends, and have drinking negatively impact their job, schooling, and overall safety. For this reason, these factors are a part of the diagnostic criteria. They take care of their families, always pay their bills, and avoid trouble with the law. In fact, their families and friends might not even know they are alcoholics if they show no signs of having a substance use disorder. Some high-functioning alcoholics will even keep their alcoholism a secret or fail to recognize it themselves.
Alcohol Statistics and the Potential Causes of High-functioning Alcoholism
Although some individuals in recovery find value in admitting that they are an alcoholic, it is something that many find difficulty in coming to terms with. Suggesting that one is alcoholic is suggestive that one fits into a one-size-fits-all demographic, which stereotypically conjures up images of a low-functioning individual. The truth is that alcoholism is not a one-size-fits-all epidemic, and it looks different for every individual. Mental health professionals and addiction clinicians prefer to use the term alcohol abuse than alcoholism. Clinically, for an individual to be diagnosed with alcohol abuse disorder they must meet certain criteria, or in other words, they must display certain symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol use disorder is classified by severity as mild (the individual meets 2 or 3 of 11 criteria), moderate (4 or 5 of 11 criteria), or severe (6 or more of 11 criteria).
And any alcohol abuse raises the odds of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and fetal alcohol syndrome. A healthcare professional may also order blood tests to check the effects of alcohol on a person’s health, for example, their liver, and start the appropriate treatments. Many high functioning alcoholics don’t want to admit to themselves, let alone others that their drinking is a problem. Such individuals can become short-tempered, irritable, angry, or even aggressive if they are confronted about their drinking habits.
Take this questionnaire to find out if you are a functioning alcoholic:
For anyone who’s concerned about a loved one’s drinking, please find a community of support like Al-Anon. Whether your loved one agrees or not, their actions affect you and you deserve outside support. Other alternatives include group or individualized therapy, consulting educational resources and books, or attending online support groups.
Because of this tolerance, they have to drink increasingly larger amounts in order to feel the “buzz” they desire. The truth is, AUD, like any condition that involves the complexities of human behavior, exists on a spectrum of severity. An alcohol abuse problem can include binge drinking, having negative consequences such as hangovers with your drinking but continuing anyway, and drinking despite the desire to stop.
Online Therapy
When you’re ready to seek help, or if you have questions about how to live with an alcoholic, we’re here for you. Some medical professionals refer to high-functioning alcoholics as currently functioning alcoholics, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-a-high-functioning-alcoholic/ to stress that the effects of alcohol addiction must be considered from a long-term perspective. As alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, it’s essential never to attempt to detox at home.
In looking at the following list of Alcohol Use Disorder signs, make a note of which ones apply to you. Having two to three signs is considered a mild form of AUD, four or five is moderate, and six or more of these signs would mean your AUD is severe. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery are support groups specifically designed for people in recovery from an alcohol-related condition. The first step for most people is detox, which means quitting alcohol. A detox may take place at a hospital or inpatient facility, such as rehab. Exhibiting a combination of these behaviors could be a sign of high-functioning alcoholism.
They Hide Their Alcohol
If you suspect that you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of high functioning alcoholism, a self assessment test is a good starting point. Please continue reading to learn how to recognize high functioning alcoholic signs and what to do to help such a person. If you are concerned about your loved one’s drinking, it can be helpful to join a support group such as Al-Anon. 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. Usually, it is only when their continued drinking becomes more painful than the prospect of going through the pain of alcohol withdrawal, will they finally reach out for help.
- A high-functioning alcoholic might precisely prohibit individuals from being in their homes.
- But such an individual will often meet other criteria that can lead to a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- For the person’s safety and health, it’s crucial that high-functioning alcoholics let go of denial and seek out assistance and guidance from trained professionals.
- This can take an increasing toll on every aspect of the person’s life, including their relationships.
People should note that the term “high functioning alcoholic” is no longer in use within the medical community. This is due to the potentially stigmatizing language around the word “alcoholic”, which may also prevent someone from seeking help and support. If cravings and withdrawal have become severe, it’s important to consult medical professionals. Alcohol withdrawal can produce a withdrawal effect known as delirium tremens that can prove life-threatening. Detox under medical supervision is a safer and more effective option than attempting to detox without help.
In alcohol treatment, you’ll work with behavioral health and medical professionals who will help you address these challenges. You’ll begin healing from the mental and physical effects of addiction and learn a healthier way of life in sobriety. Yes, although most people who are high-functioning do not meet the criteria for a full diagnosis of alcohol abuse disorder, excessive drinking can lead to many problems in the future. Excessive drinking can cause a host of long-term, serious health problems. People who are high functioning alcoholics that deny or hide their drinking habits can experience strained relationships and difficulties in their personal lives.