Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the term that refers to a range of disordered drinking habits rated mild to severe. Although the term covers a broad spectrum of AUD, it isn’t always clear when someone is struggling with alcoholism. For example, a high functioning alcoholic symptoms for an individual are not evident to the casual observer. To learn more about high-functioning alcoholic symptoms and behaviors, please read on.
What is A High-Functioning Alcoholic?
The high-functioning alcoholic is someone who secretly battles alcoholism while putting on a convincing façade of normalcy. These individuals engage in chronic alcohol abuse but do not exhibit the usual signs and symptoms that are widely associated with AUD.
In some cases, a high-functioning alcoholic is genetically wired to have a high tolerance for the effects of alcohol. They are able to consume higher amounts of alcohol without showing signs of inebriation. Other high-functioning alcoholics simply go to great lengths to hide their drinking problem from family members, friends, and coworkers.
High-functioning alcoholics are often able to function in their professional roles while deflecting any suspicion. They may hold an upper management position, own a business, or work as a physician – while hiding their AUD.
These assessments help the clinical team design a personalized treatment plan, which may include medical detox, therapy, and aftercare. This stage also allows the patient to ask questions and become familiar with the rehab facility’s rules and expectations.
10 High Functioning Alcoholic Symptoms
A high functioning alcoholic may be able to go through their daily lives without letting on about their struggle. Eventually, however, cracks will appear in the veneer and they won’t be able to hide the toll alcohol is taking.
Here are 10 common high functioning alcoholic symptoms:
- High tolerance to the effects of alcohol. They seem to be able to consume much more alcohol that a typical intake and not appear intoxicated.
- Sneaky behaviors or lying. The person hides alcohol around the house or their workplace, or lie about how much they drink.
- Using alcohol as a coping tool. Those with stressful or demanding jobs, or those going through a difficult chapter in life, may use alcohol to cope.
- Work performance is slipping. One of the most common high-functioning alcoholic symptoms is a decline in work performance.
- Late for meetings. The person may begin showing up late or missing important meetings at work, family, or social events.
- Neglects family responsibilities. He or she may neglect their family commitments, which strains marriages and causes financial problems.
- Experiences blackouts. The person may begin to display memory lapses, such as being unable to recall prior behaviors or conversations while drinking.
- Mood swings. He or she may exhibit mood swings, anger, and irritability that are not their usual personality traits.
- Drinks alone. The high-functioning alcoholic may start spending more time alone so they can drink without any interference.
- Impulsive behaviors. The person may begin to engage in high-risk behaviors than would be their norm, like drinking under the influence.
Why Are High-Functioning Alcoholics in Denial?
Because the high-functioning alcoholic is determined to keep their drinking problem hidden, they become angry or defensive if questioned. They may express that they are deeply offended that someone might question their drinking. This is a gaslighting technique that is used to deflect attention away from the reality.
There are several reasons why someone would lie about or deny they have a drinking problem. These might include:
- Reputation. There remains a social stigma linked to alcoholism. The person may deny their drinking problem for fear of having their reputation harmed, or of being judged by colleagues.
- Avoiding responsibility. The alcoholic does not want to take responsibility for their heavy drinking. Lying about it allows them to dodge any accountability to a wife, family, or boss and thus avoid the consequences.
- To keep drinking. Most alcoholics have no desire to stop drinking. They deny having a problem so they can avoid detox and rehab and continue in their addiction.
- To avoid looking weak. Male alcoholics often avoid admitting they have a drinking problem to avoid appearing weak or out of control.
High-Functioning Alcoholics and Codependent Spouses
When there is a high-functioning alcoholic spouse, it can result in codependency within the marriage. This occurs because the healthy spouse desires to also keep the secret from others, and becomes entwined in the deception. The healthy spouse offers excuses or lies on behalf of the high-functioning alcoholic spouse for several reasons. These might include:
- A lack of healthy boundaries in the relationship
- Fear of the spouse losing his or her job
- Feeling embarrassed about the spouse’s drinking problem
- Desire to try and “fix” the alcoholic spouse
- The healthy spouse enjoys feeling needed; martyr complex
Codependent spouses only end up enabling the alcoholic to continue in his or her active addiction. To obtain the strength to correct this dysfunction, the healthy spouse should seek out therapy and support groups.
Treatment for the High Functioning Alcoholic
It is always a time to rejoice when the alcoholic decides to get sober and is open to enrolling in a treatment program. It is only through the rehab process that he or she is able to make the needed changes to sustain a sober lifestyle. In treatment they will engage in an array of therapies and other activities to guide them and support their recovery. Alcohol addiction treatment includes:
Detox: A medical detox assures that vital signs are closely monitored and withdrawal symptoms carefully managed. Detox takes about a week on average.
Evidence-based therapies: Selected psychotherapies assist the person in changing their dysfunctional behaviors. Examples of evidence-base therapies include CBT, DBT, SFBT, and CM.
Group therapy. Group sessions are a core treatment element. Members of the group discuss their stories, struggles, fears, and hopes while gaining mutual peer support.
12-step program. Many rehabs include the themes of the A.A. 12-step program.
Psychosocial. Recovery tools equip the person with new coping interpersonal skills. These tools can help them avoid a relapse when they encounter challenges in recovery.
Aftercare. Stepping down to an outpatient program and joining a local recovery group are helpful actions to sustain sobriety.
Pacific Bay Recovery Provides Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Pacific Bay Recovery specializes in longer format residential treatment for alcohol use disorder, followed by outpatient rehab. In addition to an expert team of addiction treatment professionals, PBR includes holistic elements like massage, yoga, and aqua therapy. If you or someone you love exhibits high functioning alcoholic symptoms, please reach out to us for support at (619) 350-8220.
