What Characterizes A Functioning Alcoholic? 6 Signs To Look For

What Is A Functioning Alcoholic?

A functioning alcoholic is a common language term referring to someone who struggles with chronic alcohol use but still manages to navigate the responsibilities and obligations of daily life with some measure of success. It belies the stereotype (especially as depicted in Hollywood) that those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can’t hold a job, have legal trouble related to their drinking, are economically underprivileged, and have volatile relationships.

Contrary to popular belief, the National Institutes of Health reports that nearly 20% of all alcohol use disorder sufferers are highly functional, well educated, and earn good incomes.[1]  Additionally, 9% of U.S. adults who struggle with alcohol abuse could be categorized as chronic or severe. Many of the chronic or severe alcoholics presented an early onset of drinking and alcohol problems, and nearly 80% have a family history of alcohol use disorder.

6 Lifestyle Signs That Characterize A Functioning Alcoholic

Here are six lifestyle signs and patterns that may help you or a loved one identify what characterizes a functioning alcoholic:[2]

• Maintaining Responsibilities At Work Despite Chronic Drinking

Professional stability is a key marker of a functioning alcoholic, at least for a time. Their job is essential to maintain their drinking and, therefore, essential to keep. Over time, however, their behavioral and professional performance may also suffer due to the holistic impact of ongoing alcohol use.

• Relying on Friends and Family To Enable Their Drinking Patterns

Someone with chronic or severe alcohol use disorder will rely heavily on family members, friends, and coworkers to accommodate their habits, enable their behavior, or help them out of dangerous or compromising situations related to their alcohol use. This could mean ignoring their harmful patterns, helping them recover, or keeping them from driving or other potentially dangerous activities while intoxicated.

• Relationship Challenges

Any type of alcohol or substance use disorder can negatively impact relationships despite apparent performance at work or school. The families and children often face the brunt of any fallout, from mood changes and extensive recovery after drinking to aggression or violence.

• Escalating Adverse Effects of Drinking

With the pressure to continue performing at work and continue drinking, the stakes get increasingly higher, as well as the pressure along with it. Long-term alcohol use leads to significant health concerns, both physical and psychological, increasing the overall risk for someone who could identify as a functioning alcoholic.

• Denying of The Severity of Drinking Problems

A high-functioning alcoholic may not acknowledge the severity of their alcohol use simply because they can continue functioning at work, home, or school despite alcohol use. As long as they can continue to “show up,” they live in denial, telling themselves they’re fine. Additionally, managers or coworkers can ignore some of the signs of impairment or alcohol use disorder as long as job performance continues to meet satisfactory levels.

• Refusing Help Until A Crisis Occurs

If the individual does not believe alcohol patterns are harmful, it often takes something outside of themselves to trigger formal treatment or professional help. Many are coerced into treatment due to trouble at home, legal issues, or health concerns they cannot ignore.

High-Functioning vs. Non-High-Functioning Alcoholism

One of the diagnosis criteria for alcohol use disorder is an inability to control or reduce alcohol consumption and a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, home, or school.[3] However, we’ve already seen that a functioning alcoholic doesn’t necessarily meet that criteria despite heavy alcohol use.

Some other differentiators between the subtypes for high-functioning alcoholics and low-functioning alcoholics include:[4]

High-Functioning Subtype

• Outwardly successful and stable
• Consistent at work or school
• Fewer psychological symptoms
• Often in denial about the severity of alcohol use due to a perceived reduced impact
• One-third have a family history of alcohol use disorder.

Low-Functioning Subtype

• Early onset drinking
• Antisocial behavior
• Polysubstance use (mixing alcohol with drugs or medications)
• Nearly 80% have a family history of alcohol use disorder
• Two-thirds seek help after hitting “rock bottom”

Physical and Mental Health Symptoms of a Functioning Alcoholic

Alcohol consumption leaves a mark on your body and your mind. These symptoms can be present while drinking, after drinking, or if drinking is stopped and withdrawal symptoms begin. Someone battling long-term or severe alcohol addiction may experience some or all of the following symptoms:[5]

• Mood changes
• Poor judgement
• Inappropriate behavior
• Slurred speech
• Poor memory
• Lack of coordination
• Blackouts
• Coma
• Agitation
• Brain damage
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Cravings
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Overdose

Health Risks of Long-Term Alcohol Use Disorder

Over time, alcohol consumption breaks down your body and your brain. If one has developed physical alcohol dependence, it alters the natural baseline for how your body functions. Alcohol interferes with the natural communication pathways in the brain and chemically alters how the brain functions, compromising memory, speech, balance, and judgment.[6]

Other long-term health problems associated with heavy drinking include:[7]

• Increased risk of cancer (More than 20,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to die each year from alcohol-related cancers.)
• Heart disease
• Increased risk of mental health concerns like depression or anxiety
• Liver disease
• Increased risk of stroke
• Immune system compromise
• Digestive issues
• Increased risk of dementia and memory loss

Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, binge drinking, or the adverse effects of alcohol use, there is help available. Treating someone with a high tolerance or a long history of drinking alcohol requires targeted support from medical professionals, behavioral therapy, and patient-centered alcohol addiction treatment. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment process:

• Alcohol Detox: Detox is a short-term phase of treatment that allows the body to safely eliminate harmful substances and begin to reestablish a natural baseline. With medication-based treatment options for managing withdrawal symptoms and 24/7 healthcare, you or your loved one can begin treatment safely and with confidence.
• Inpatient Residential Rehab: An inpatient treatment facility offers dedicated care where one can focus solely on recovery without any distractions of daily life. Patients will participate in group therapy, individual therapy, and physical health interventions and get help to address any underlying mental health issues to support a productive and healthy life when they leave.
• Medically Managed Care: Medically managed care helps patients establish and maintain balance in their physical and mental health to support lasting recovery during and after inpatient care.

Get The Help You Need

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use that is either out of control or hiding under a high-functioning mask, there is help for you. Reach out today to get the answers and support you need to overcome.