While alcohol dependence is a devastating disease that can destroy lives, a number of people who battle with it manage to keep big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in good communities, and make a substantial income.

Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still at risk of hurting themselves and others around them. alcoholism nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing large sums of money are each at-risk of causing terrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.

Below are a number of clues that can help in recognizing these time bombs:


Raging Alcoholic



1. They drink in place of eating.

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

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

Drinking addiction over a long period of time can induce the physical body to become dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics successfully drink a lot without having the same hangover that torments the not habitual drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them cranky, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to abstain from consuming alcohol, his or her body regularly reciprocates negatively, as they are dependent on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can cause tension and anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a rapid heart rate, and even seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns alter dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.

Alcoholics may change dramatically when they drink. For instance, a generally mild-mannered person may become belligerent, or make careless decisions.

5. They can't have just two drinks.

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

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

Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no memory of the next day. They may not seem significantly drunk at the moment, but they're unable to remember events that happened.

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

When faced with problems surrounding their drinking, heavy users will typically retreat to denial or aggression, making a dialogue difficult.

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

Most alcoholics will have a relatively rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or hostility is not the opted for mode of avoidance. Stress at work, problems at home, or an abundance of social events are typical excuses to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This sort of covert alcohol consumption is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for their actions apart from alcohol dependence.

Let's try to keep our society productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for problematic actions in order to get these troubled coworkers, family, and friends the help they need.

Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic

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

Simply because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're invulnerable to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with shaky hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive path.