7 Signs Of A Functional Alcoholic

Some people believe that in order to have an issue with alcohol, a person needs to be struggling to hold down a successful job and manage their responsibilities. However, a person doesn’t have to see their life falling apart to prove that a problem is present. This type of person is a high-functioning or functional alcoholic. 

High-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together: a nice home, a successful job, a loving family. Unfortunately, they are just as much at risk for the consequences of alcohol as someone with a more apparent problem.

Signs Of A Functional Alcoholic

Let’s take a look at seven signs that may indicate that your loved one is a functional alcoholic.

1. They Wake Up Without Hangovers

A functional alcoholic will have a high tolerance because of how much they drink. They can go out and consume a lot of alcohol but not suffer from ill effects the next morning like an occasional drinker would. 

2. Not Drinking Makes Them Feel Uncomfortable

When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, they don’t feel right without it. Functional alcoholics can start to feel nervous, anxious or irritable without their drug, and they may experience an increased heart rate or sweatiness. One of the interesting facts about addiction is that alcohol is a drug that causes withdrawal symptoms just like any other substance. 

3. Once They Start, They Can’t Stop

A functional alcoholic is rarely able to have one or two drinks and then stop. They always have an excuse to drink more. It may seem to be all in good fun, but people who do this regularly may have an underlying problem.

4. Memory Loss Or Blackouts Are Common

Since functional alcoholics consume a lot of alcohol, periods of memory loss or blackouts are common. They may not remember what happened the night before, even though they may not have seemed incredibly intoxicated at the time.

5. They Validate Why They Drink

In order to cover up the extent of their problem, functional alcoholics validate why they drink. They may deny their problem or say that they’re just having fun. They may also choose activities where drinking is the main event so that they blend in. It’s not uncommon for a functional alcoholic to cope with stress by drinking, which may mean there’s an underlying mental disorder that they need a dual diagnosis treatment program to handle. 

6. They Hide Their Alcohol

It’s common for alcoholics to sneak drinks or drink alone. They need the alcohol to get through their day, so they don’t care how they get it. Sneaking alcohol, especially at non-social events, is a major red flag.

7. They Won’t Accept Help

If you challenge a functional alcoholic to stop drinking, they won’t. They’ll have some excuse, such as a rough day or a new beer they want to try. Or they’ll push it off by saying they have a party over the weekend and they’ll try next weekend.

Functional alcoholics differ from traditional alcoholics in that they seem to have it all together. But the extent of their problem can be just as bad.

Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Stop making excuses and contact The Dunes East Hampton today. We can help your loved one take care of their problem in our comfortable, luxury facility.