He and his group of friends started experimenting with alcohol when one of their fathers left a six-pack of light beer unattended in the garage. From that moment, Josh was known for being able to drink the most, drink the quickest, and participate in the wildest of activities to get a laugh. If they are open and willing, they might enter into an inpatient rehab and begin a new chapter in life. However, there are individuals that meet the criteria for AUD but do not experience these impacts. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we understand that each individual is so much more than their substance use.

When an individual is dating a functional alcoholic, several things can be done. For example, contacting the local chapter of AA to specifically find a group for partners of functional alcoholics is key. No devious implications about their drinking addiction, especially when you’re dating a functional alcoholic. So, passive-aggressive comments won’t make them suddenly deal with their issues. It’s key that you stay fully honest in the relationship, so if they are hurting you, say so directly.

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Determining the difference between alcohol addiction/misuse and social drinking isn’t always easy, because alcohol affects each person differently. Often high-functioning alcoholics feel “locked in” to their drinking because they worry that when the alcohol stops, so will their success. Many people with AUDs decide to have further treatment and support, such as attending group therapy, individual counseling, or support groups. A doctor can check a person’s drinking levels and recommend further treatment options.

The alcohol is interfering with their family, their friendships, their job, and their health. Peer pressure and easy availability of alcohol can increase the risk of developing an AUD. Negative life experiences, such as grief, abuse, or living in poverty, can also increase the odds. People who are concerned about their drinking habits, and those who are showing signs of an AUD, may wish to reach out for help and support. According to the NIAAA, the majority of people with an AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. Without some sort of intervention or counseling, it is only a matter of time before a high-functioning alcoholic becomes nonfunctioning because the disease is progressive.

Difference Between High Functioning Alcoholism and AUD

People with alcohol use disorders, including those with mild types, often isolate themselves to hide how much they drink. They may experience legal problems, usually in the form of a DUI or after an accident involving drinking. Chronic alcohol consumption often leads to mental health problems such as depression or other health issues such as high blood pressure, liver problems or heart problems. In some cases, high-functioning alcoholics will experience alcohol withdrawals once they quit drinking. However, alcohol withdrawal is potentially life-threatening, so your doctor or healthcare provider may recommend a medical detox program. A high-functioning alcoholic can go about daily life and take care of their obligations (like work or school) primarily undetected.

In addition, since the impact of AUD may not be as obvious, the person may be unable to recognize the severity of their condition in these early stages. If needed, your doctor may also order blood tests to check your liver function. Since you only need to fulfill 2 or more of the DSM-5 criteria within the last year to be diagnosed with AUD, you might still be fully contributing to your home life, job, and other areas of your life. Contact a medical professional to discuss your concerns if you believe you have an AUD.

The Number 1 Reason People Fail Dry January, and Fail Sobriety In General

Therefore, it’s usually the assistance of another person that keeps them afloat. When a person’s dating a functional alcoholic, they might not be drunk, but they can’t go a day without alcohol. So, attempting to ask them if they have an issue with alcohol might be pointless. SUN Behavioral Health in Houston offers inpatient and outpatient alcohol addiction detox and treatment options. This scene plays out in households all over the world because of a lack of awareness of what a person with high-functioning alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) looks like.

• Those behaviors often overlap with the traits shown by someone who is suffering from a high-functioning form of the condition.
• Since alcohol is a depressant, the individual is essentially using it to dull the senses.
• Because alcohol is legal, widely available, and even culturally acceptable in many circles, it can be even more difficult to identify a person who is suffering from a high-functioning form of AUD.
• Organizations like the American Society of Addiction Medicine can guide you to help, too.
• Despite fully feeling the consequences of his years of heavy drinking, he’s still fulfilling all of his obligations at work and home.
• In addition, since the impact of AUD may not be as obvious, the person may be unable to recognize the severity of their condition in these early stages.

Living with an AUD and not seeking medical treatment is a dangerous game to play, as we just discussed. Alcohol use disorder paints a picture in the minds of many people because of the stigma (negative and often unfair belief) that has been tied to it. It isn’t unusual for them to be unable to recall what happened while they were drinking. Social drinkers do not dramatically change their personality when they drink.

From the JourneyPure team where we get to explore a wide variety of substance abuse- and mental health-related topics. Some may ask, “If their lives are not impacted by their alcohol use, then why is their alcohol use a problem? They are excelling in their careers, taking care of their children, connecting with their spouse, etc.”  The answer is that their lives are always impacted in some way. While the consequences of their alcohol use may not be so apparent at the time, there is bound to be some area of their life that is indeed being impacted now or that will be impacted in the future. For example, interior physical damage caused by alcohol to the liver, pancreas, heart, and brain are often left unnoticed until it may be too late.

Many alcoholics take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day – such as dancing on bars, going home with strangers, doing drugs, having sex, and more. At the time, they may not seem extremely intoxicated, but when asked about their behavior the next day, they’re unable to remember what happened. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-a-high-functioning-alcoholic/ Functional alcoholics may seem to be in control, Benton says, but they may put themselves or others in danger by drinking and driving, having risky sexual encounters, or blacking out. Clients in an outpatient program can participate in person at a residential treatment center or virtually with online meetings.