High Functioning Alcoholism

High functioning alcoholism is different than regular alcoholism. People who are considered high functioning are typically able to hide their addiction, maintain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, and also complete daily tasks such as work or school. In other words, a high functioning alcoholic is the alcoholic who doesn’t look like one at all.

In order to help high functioning alcoholics we must first know how to spot them. While there are many symptoms or signs of abuse, some are harder to recognize than others.

Signs:

Black out and memory loss

Extreme remorse when caught drinking

Family history

Hiding or sneaking drinking

Impulsively or emotionally driven

Mental disorders such as anxiety/ADD/ADHD

Obsession with alcohol

Self reward systems

Surrounds self with friends who also drink

Once we have recognized that a loved one or someone close to us displays many of those signs it is our responsibility to help them. Without our help that person will continue the vicious cycle that is high functioning alcoholism.

Actions to Help:

Let them know that drinking not only hurts them but also the people who love them

Provide facts and feelings when confronting them

Share drinking assessment tools and tips to help them cope

Intervention

Professional help

High functioning alcoholism is just as dangerous as alcoholism that is out in the open. Just because someone is able to hide their addiction and go about their business does not mean that they are okay. It does not mean that everything is okay.

It is our job to try and help those people as best we can. Without us they will continue to be lost with a secret addiction.