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

Even so, simply because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still in danger of hurting themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they remain on their dysfunctional path.

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

1. They drink rather than eating.

Alcoholics will often remove and replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as an excuse to begin consuming alcohol.

2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.

Consuming alcohol routinely over an extended period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a good deal without the same hangover that afflicts the occasional drinker.


3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, jittery, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is forced to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her physical body commonly responds negatively, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can trigger tension and anxiety, nervousness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.

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

When they drink, problem drinkers may change noticeably. A generally mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.

5. They cannot have just two drinks.

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

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common.

Many alcoholic s will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear extremely intoxicated at the moment, but they're unable to recall events that took place.

7. Efforts to talk about drinking habits are met with aggression and denial.


Raging Alcoholic


When confronted with matters involving their alcohol consumption, alcoholics will generally retreat to denial or hostility, making conversation difficult.

8. They never fail to have a good reason for why they drink.

Most problem drinkers will have a relatively rational explanation for their behavior if flat denial or aggression is not the opted for mode of avoidance. Stress at work, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social functions are typical excuses to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This kind of hidden drinking is a significant warning and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from alcohol addiction .

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

Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

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

Just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling substantial amounts of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.