While alcohol dependence is a devastating condition that can ruin lives, some people who battle with it manage to hold down stressful jobs and big responsibilities. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in good communities, and make a significant income.

Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They are still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering terrible disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional course.

Listed below are a few signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol in place of eating food.

alcoholism will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as justification to begin drinking.

2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after several drinks.

Consuming alcohol routinely over a long period of time can induce the physical body to become dependent on alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink a great deal without the same hangover that afflicts the not habitual drinker.


3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, jittery, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid drinking, his or her body regularly reacts adversely, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can cause tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a quickened heart rate, as well as seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns transform significantly while under the influence of alcohol.

When they drink, alcoholics may change noticeably. For example, a generally pleasant person may become belligerent, or make careless decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

A problem drinker has trouble quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.

6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.

Many alcoholics will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to remember activities that took place.

7. Attempts to talk about drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.

When confronted with issues involving their drinking, alcoholics will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making discussion hard.

8. They always have a good reason for why they drink.

Most problem drinkers will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or hostility is not the opted for mode of avoidance. Stress at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social events are typical excuses to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their vehicle. This sort of covert drinking is a significant red flag and there is no other explanation for their actions apart from alcohol addiction.

Let's try to keep our society productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for problematic behavior in order to get these troubled colleagues, family, and friends the help they need.

Symptoms of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.

Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive course.