While alcoholism is a disastrous condition that can destroy lives, a few people who struggle with it manage to keep stressful jobs and big responsibilities. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in good communities, and make a substantial income.

But unfortunately, simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they are immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They're still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For instance, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of causing horrendous disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional course.

Here are some signs that can really help in recognizing these time bombs:

1. They drink instead of eating.

Problem drinkers will commonly replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as an excuse to start consuming alcohol.

2. They can wake up without having a hangover, even after several drinks.

Drinking alcohol routinely over a substantial period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a lot without having the same hangover that afflicts the random drinker.

3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to avoid drinking, his or her physical body commonly reciprocates adversely, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. alcohol dependence quitting can cause anxiety, uneasiness, perspiration, a rapid heart rate, and even seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns change dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.

When they drink, alcoholics may change dramatically. For instance, a generally mild-mannered person may become belligerent, or make impetuous decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

A problem drinker has a problem stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.

6. Time spans of memory loss or "blacking out" are typical.

Many problem drinkers will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day. They may not appear extremely drunk at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that occurred.

7. Attempts to discuss drinking behavior are met with hostility and denial.


When faced with problems surrounding their drinking, alcoholic s will generally regress to denial or hostility, making conversation hard.

8. They always have a good explanation for why they drink.

Most problem drinkers will have a relatively rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or hostility is not the opted for mode of avoidance. alcohol dependence and anxiety at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social activities are common excuses to explain their damaging behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This sort of covert alcohol consumption is a tremendous warning and there is no other explanation for their actions aside from alcohol addiction.

Let's try to keep our society productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for problematic actions to get these struggling colleagues, family, and neighbors the assistance they need.

Symptoms of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.

Simply because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a banker handling large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive course.