If people with high functioning AUD do not get treatment, the disease may progress to a point at which their dependence significantly impacts their day-to-day lives. In addition, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol misuse like binge drinking and heavy drinking can increase your risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). If the individual remains in denial or refuses to seek help, a formal intervention led by a clinician or intervention specialist may be necessary.
How to Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic
However, while the disruption may not yet be apparent on the outside, the internal challenges and potential long-term health consequences remain significant. Although you may still hear people talking about “alcoholism” or “alcohol abuse,” the official term is alcohol use disorder (AUD). And it’s all still problem drinking, even if you think it’s “mild.” If AUD goes unrecognized and untreated, it’s linked to risks in many aspects of your health and life. There is a difference between someone who suffers from high-functioning alcoholism and someone who simply enjoys drinking alcohol.
- All of these options integrate flexibility into the recovery process.
- However, a doctor should recommend the best type of treatment for each person since the severity and presentation can vary from person to person.
- Generally, functioning alcoholics are convinced that they have everything under control and are often able to convince others of the same.
- Department of Health and Human Services calculated that functioning alcoholics make up almost 20% of the alcoholic population.
What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
Despite these differences, both forms of alcoholism pose serious risks. Each can lead to physical health complications, mental health challenges and negative impacts on personal and professional relationships. Recognizing high-functioning alcoholism is crucial because early treatment can mitigate damage that might otherwise remain hidden until a major crisis occurs. Alcohol use disorders affect people from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, not everyone who struggles with alcohol fits the stereotypical image of someone who can’t hold down a job or maintain healthy relationships. In some cases, high-functioning alcoholics will experience alcohol withdrawals once they quit drinking.
Ready to Overcome Addiction?
The National Institute of Health suggests that loved ones should start by talking about their concerns. Instead, voice your concerns, share how their drinking is affecting others, and suggest ways that you can help them talk to Substance abuse a doctor or join a support group. If you are concerned about your loved one’s drinking, it can be helpful to join a support group such as Al-Anon. Such groups can offer valuable support, encouragement, advice, and information.
Are You a Weekend Alcoholic & Is It a Problem?
It does not necessarily “treat” AUD but can help people with AUD cope. Unfortunately, being in denial will only prevent you from getting early treatment for alcoholism. Even if you consume small amounts throughout the day, it will cause your alcohol tolerance to build up slowly. It is also possible to detox as part of an outpatient program, which features varying levels of support and treatment. Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ even scary, but several organizations can provide support. Recovered.org provides an anonymous online evaluation tool to check if drinking has become problematic and provides further resources for help and support.
How to Treat High-Functioning Alcoholism
So, when supporting your loved one, it can be beneficial to lead with love, compassion, and understanding. If they’re not receptive, keep trying — and set boundaries to protect your own well-being. “Mental health care is critical for achieving long-term success in overcoming AUD,” says Elhaj. “Always approach a loved one from a place of support and desire to help them, instead of leading with judgment or anger,” says Omar Elhaj, MD, a senior medical director at high functioning alcholic LifeStance Health. According to Conroy, it may be easy to get caught in denial with AUD if you subconsciously feel something is wrong with you at your core.