Bilal Saeed
People who appear to function properly in their everyday lives yet are dependent on alcohol are said to have high-functioning alcoholism. These people may struggle with a severe drug use problem despite leading busy social lives, fulfilling employment, and good relationships. The capacity of high-functioning alcoholism to go unnoticed—not only from friends and family, but also from the person themselves—makes it particularly deadly.Alcohol use disorder (AUD), sometimes known as alcoholism, is a chronic illness that affects behaviour and the brain. It may eventually result in permanent alterations to a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. High-functioning alcoholics challenge the assumption that alcoholism is associated with obvious dysfunction, such as losing one’s work, a broken relationship, or declining health. They may handle family obligations, appear socially engaged, and succeed professionally—all while continuing to have a risky relationship with alcohol. The seriousness of their circumstances is sometimes overlooked as their lifestyles don’t show the usual symptoms of addiction.
A more complex understanding of addiction is necessary to comprehend high-functioning alcoholism. Addiction is about dependency, not simply how much or how often someone drinks, according to the American Addiction Centres. Regardless of how stable they may seem on the outside, someone is deemed dependent when they become psychologically and physically reliant on alcohol to cope with stress, emotions, or day-to-day living. In actuality, a lot of high-functioning alcoholics conceal or avoid problems related to their drinking by using their success on the outside as a shield.
It might be difficult to distinguish between high-functioning alcoholism and normal alcoholism. Conventional alcoholics may exhibit more overt signs, including skipping work, not fulfilling commitments, or getting into legal issues as a result of their drinking. On the other hand, high-functioning alcoholics may conceal alcohol in the house, drink excessively after work, or depend on a “couple of drinks” to unwind each evening. People around them may minimise or misinterpret their addiction since they rarely reach the usual “rock bottom.”
It’s critical to acknowledge that each person’s experience with addiction is unique. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, some high-functioning alcoholics may consume tiny amounts of alcohol throughout the day. Others may abstain from alcohol throughout the week in order to fulfil their obligations, yet binge on the weekends. However, alcohol continues to have an impact on the body and brain in both situations. They get tolerant over time, needing more alcohol to have the same effect, and when they try to cut back, they may have withdrawal symptoms like tremors, anxiety, or anger.
High-functioning alcoholism also has important psychological effects. Alcohol is frequently used by those in this group to cover up more serious emotional or mental health conditions such anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma. They might not ask for assistance or even recognise they have a problem since they can keep up a façade of normalcy. One of the most harmful features of high-functioning alcoholism is this type of denial, which hinders early intervention and permits the addiction to worsen uncontrolled.
The normalisation and even celebration of drinking by society is another significant obstacle to recognising high-functioning alcoholism. It is generally acceptable to have business meetings over drinks, have wine over dinner, and have celebratory shots with pals. This makes it more difficult for others to recognise a problem and simpler for someone with high-functioning alcoholism to fit in. In fact, even while drinking has a strong hold on their everyday lives, the individual may think it’s normal since it conforms to societal norms.
Subtle indicators that family members and close friends may observe include mood swings, forgetfulness, frequent hangovers, or the person appearing “off” while not drinking. Even if the high-functioning alcoholic continues to perform at work or meet other responsibilities, their emotional presence and availability may gradually diminish. Although they might not immediately attribute it to alcohol, acquaintances may observe a change in behaviour, spouses may feel emotionally estranged, and kids may sense the tension
It usually starts with identifying the problem, which is generally the most difficult step. People in this scenario may be resistant to the concept that they need treatment since they don’t fit the stereotypical image of an addict. Formal or informal interventions may be essential in this situation. A helpful, nonjudgmental expression of concern from friends, family, or coworkers may assist the person start to realise the truth of their circumstances.
Treatment options include counselling, support groups, detox programs, and potentially medication once an individual admits they have a problem. Group therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are popular techniques that assist people in recognising and altering the behaviours that cause them to drink. Outpatient programs that enable high-functioning alcoholics to continue working while undergoing treatment may be beneficial.
Inpatient rehabilitation may be required in certain situations, particularly if the patient requires a controlled setting to start recovery or if physical withdrawal symptoms are severe. The secret is to develop a treatment strategy that addresses the underlying problems causing their addiction while also honouring their particular circumstances.
It is possible to recover from high-functioning alcoholism, but it takes dedication, self-awareness, and assistance. Overcoming the notion that functioning or success equates to everything being well is one of the most difficult obstacles. Addiction doesn’t always appear to be a catastrophe; it might appear as though a person is doing well on the outside while quietly collapsing inside.
Awareness and education are effective strategies for preventing high-functioning alcoholism. We pave the way for early intervention and improved support networks by realising that addiction may occur even in the most seemingly prosperous lives. Loved ones, employers, and medical professionals may all help identify the symptoms and promote treatment before the addiction becomes worse.
In the end, high-functioning alcoholism is only a different expression of addiction, not a lesser one. The emotional and physical repercussions are as real and detrimental over time.