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There are many rehab centers and support groups, both online and in-person, for people who are working to achieve sobriety. If you’re ready to get started, contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment https://ecosoberhouse.com/ options. If you know a high-functioning alcoholic, you have the power to make a difference. The best way for someone to help a high-functioning alcoholic is to have a forthright conversation with them about their addiction.
If needed, your doctor may also order blood tests to check your liver function. You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, high functioning alcoholic CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Functional Alcoholism: How to Tell if Alcohol Abuse Is Happening
Today, healthcare professionals would say that a person has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). It can be difficult to acknowledge that a friend or loved one is struggling with an alcohol addiction. After recognizing that someone needs help, it is important to approach them about their behavior. An intervention specialist can help a defensive high-functioning alcoholic see the truth about their addiction.
The term high-functioning alcoholic can be defined as a person who suffers from alcoholism but has yet to experience noticeable effects of alcohol. They likely experience negative consequences caused by alcohol abuse, but those consequences do not appear to prevent them from functioning in everyday life. But alcoholism is a disease that causes individuals to compulsively drink despite knowing the health, social and legal repercussions.
Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment
Some high functioning alcoholics may feel that if they simply get over the reason for their addiction, they may be able to return to a life of casual drinking, and alcohol in moderation. The main characteristic of high functioning alcoholism versus low functioning alcoholism is the ability to hide the behavior and create convincing excuses for friends and family members. Neither an addict nor those who care about him or her want to believe that their behavior amounts to addiction. Addiction is hard, and takes time and effort to treat, and can ruin lives if left untreated.
Some people have genetic and environmental factors that allow them to be addicted to alcohol for a long time before they experience major health or social problems. Others have a high number of risk factors and are never able to appear functional. One of the misconceptions about functional alcoholics is that they never experience problems.
Do They Experience Withdrawal?
Treatment centers are a safe space for clients to get to the root of addiction issues, address any co-occurring disorders, and lay the foundation for life in recovery. Residential treatment provides intensive therapies designed to help people overcome the psychological components of alcohol use disorders. Residential treatment serves as a recovery incubator, teaching people the skills needed for long-lasting recovery. In addition to the health effects of having an alcohol use disorder, it can also take a toll on relationships. Drinking doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the entire family unit.
Am I considered a heavy drinker?
For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.
