Functioning Alcoholic
Many of us are familiar with the idea of the Functioning Alcoholic. The popular notion of an alcoholic is a person who is 'down and out'. This is the alcoholic in the 'chronic' or 'severe' phase of the disorder. However the disorder may be progressing slowly while the person continues to go about daily life; hence the term 'functioning alcoholic'. They are a man or woman who - contrary to popular stereotypes - manages to hold down a job, pay their rent, and otherwise maintain the appearance of a life unblemished by addiction problems. Understanding how this type of addiction functions is important. Because high-functioning alcohol addiction can be just as damaging to the abuser and their loved ones as very transparent and noticeable alcohol addiction.What is a Functioning Alcoholic?
A functioning alcoholic is likely to be middle aged and educated, with a successful career and married with a family instead of destitute, desolate and alone. Friends and families may not recognise that a problem with drinking even exists. Functional alcoholics may go to work all day, go to the gym after work, and then go home and down a bottle or two of wine or excessive spirits. Family members may take this as normal behaviour. Since the person is not having problems fulfilling work or familial obligations, they must be OK. Functional alcoholics may not even drink every day, but instead engage in frequent episodes of binge or heavy drinking every few days. They may not see a problem with their drinking, and may lead a sort of double life wherein they are able to completely separate their drinking life from his/her professional and personal life.Warning Signs and Symptoms of a High Functioning Alcoholic
Although some of the warning signs and symptoms of Functioning Alcoholics are similar to those of other alcoholics, they often appear at different stages of the progression of alcoholism. Some signs may not be present in all Functioning Alcoholics, or may occur in clusters. One thing is certain: the longer the Functioning Alcoholic goes without treatment, the more likely he or she will display some of these warning signs and symptoms.- In the company of others who drink – the functioning alcoholic surrounds themselves with others who like to drink.
- Obsessing over alcohol – The thought of alcohol is never far from the mind of the Functioning Alcoholic.
- Consuming craving – One drink is never enough for them. The lure is too strong, and the craving consumes the functioning alcoholic until he or she can have the next drink
- Alcohol is part of their lives – The functioning alcoholic would no more give up alcohol than they’d give up their identity. Alcohol is so much a part of their lives that they cannot imagine a life without alcohol.
- Experiencing shame over drunken behavior – Being such masters of concealment, the Functioning Alcoholic does often experience remorse and/or shame over instances where their behavior has become sloppy after drinking.
- Self-deluding – Some functioning alcoholics drink only expensive wine or spirits in the mistaken belief that this means they’re not an alcoholic.
- Fit life into compartments – Another familiar sign of functioning alcoholics is that they are able to conveniently separate their drinking lives from the rest of their existence.
- Tried to quit but failed – At some point they may have tried to quit drinking but failed in the attempt.
- Excuses and rewards – Functioning alcoholics feel they work hard and deserve a drink as a reward.
- Hiding and sneaking – When others are going to be around – and watching – the functioning alcoholic may sneak a drink early, drink before going out, or drink alone.
- Emotional and physical consequences don’t matter – Whether minor or severe, emotional and physical consequences of drinking don’t make a difference to them.
