While alcohol dependence is a dreadful disease that could damage lives, a few people who struggle with it manage to hold down stressful professional lives and huge responsibilities. Externally, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They could drive nice vehicles, reside in terrific areas, and make a significant income.

Just because they are high-functioning does not mean that they are immune to the results of alcohol. They are still in danger of injuring themselves and others around them. For instance, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker dealing with large sums of cash are each at-risk of triggering awful tragedies if they remain on their dysfunctional path.

Here are some symptoms that could assist in identifying these powder kegs:

1. They drink as an alternative to consuming food.

Alcoholics will oftentimes replace healthy meals with a couple of alcoholic beverages, lose interest in meals altogether, or make use of mealtime as a pretext to start drinking alcohol.
2. They may get out of bed without a hangover, even after several alcoholic beverages.

Consuming alcohol routinely over an extended period of time can trigger the human body to become reliant or dependent on alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics are able to over-indulge without the punishing hangover that tortures the irregular drinker.

3. Abstinence makes them irritable, anxious, or otherwise uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is compelled to avoid drinking, his/her body routinely responds negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Suddenly stopping can cause stress and anxiety, anxiety, sweating, an abnormally fast heartbeat, as well as convulsions.

4. Their actions patterns change significantly while intoxicated on booze.


When they drink, alcoholics may transform substantially. A generally mild-mannered person might end up being aggressive, or make spontaneous decisions.
5. They cannot have just two alcoholic beverages.

An alcoholic has a difficult time quiting, and may even "polish off" other people's' alcoholic beverages. Liquor will never ever be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for "another round.".

6. Time periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common

Withdrawal or a horrible hangover set off an anxiety attack
Quite a few people dependent on alcohol will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the next day. They may not appear significantly intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to recall events that happened.

7. Attempts to discuss drinking habits are received with hostility and denial.

When challenged with alcohol abuse surrounding their alcohol usage, heavy users will usually regress to denial or anger, making conversation difficult.

8. They always have a very good explanation for the reason that they consume alcohol.

Many alcoholics will have a seemingly rational reason for their actions if flat rejection or is not the chosen mode of avoidance. Anxiety at work, issues at home, or a wealth of social activities are common reasons to explain their detrimental conduct.

9. They hide their alcohol.

alcohol abuse will consume alcohol alone, or sneak alcoholic beverages from a container in a desk or in their automobile. This type of concealed drinking is a tremendous red flag and there is no other explanation for this conduct besides alcoholism .

Let's keep our society efficient, safe, and sober by by being observant for problematic behavior in an effort to get these distressed colleagues, family, and friends the support they need.

While alcoholism is a dreadful illness that can destroy lives, some people who battle with it are able to hold down difficult jobs and huge responsibilities. From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive great vehicles, live in excellent neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Simply because they're high-functioning does not suggest that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. alcohol abuse nursing a hangover, a surgeon with tremulous hands, or a financier managing huge sums of money are each at-risk of triggering dreadful disasters if they remain on their unhealthy course.