Is Someone You Know a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

The term “high-functioning alcoholic” sounds like an oxymoron. The classic picture of an alcoholic is someone who drinks too much too often and whose life is falling apart because of it. But, not all problem drinkers fit that mold. Some people seem to be just fine while they abuse alcohol. Experts call these people high-functioning alcoholics.

The typical high-functioning alcoholic is middle-aged and educated, holds a steady job, and has a family. They’re high-powered executives and CEOs, dentists and doctors, professors and teachers, lawyers and judges, successful students and stay-at-home moms ---- all people you may not suspect have a drinking problem even if you’ve known them very well for a long time.

Outwardly, they seem to have it all together, often hiding their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major losses. And, most are in denial: They don’t realize how hard their drinking is on family members and friends. And, since they seem to function normally, they don’t see a problem with it. The addict’s denial may also be compounded by family and friends who fail to recognize or confront the problem.

WebMD estimates that up to 20% of all alcoholics may be classified as “high-functioning.” How do you know if friend or a loved one may fall into this category? It’s not the number of drinks that defines an alcoholic; It’s what happens when they drink. Someone who needs help may:

· Say he has a problem or joke about alcoholism

· Miss work or school, get into fights, lose friendships, or have a DUI arrest

· Need alcohol to relax or feel confident

· Drink in the morning or when alone

· Get drunk when he doesn’t intend to

· Forget what he did while drinking

· Deny drinking, hide alcohol, or get angry when confronted about drinking

· Cause loved ones to worry about or make excuses for his drinking

It can be difficult to acknowledge that a friend or loved one is struggling with an alcohol addiction. After recognizing that someone needs help, it’s important to approach them about their behavior. Two important pieces of advice here: (1) Don’t approach them when they’re under the influence. And (2) don’t expect to get them to change overnight. Even if the alcoholic doesn’t recognize their problem immediately, know that your actions, words and support may take them one step closer to acknowledging their addiction and seeking help.

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