Am I a Functional Alcoholic? Why It Is So Hard to Identify Functional Alcoholics
What is a Functional Alcoholic?
You don’t have to behave like the popular image of the out-of-control “drunk” to be considered an alcoholic. If you need alcohol to get through the day but you have been able to hide that problem from others in your life, you are probably a functional alcoholic. You are still an alcoholic, and sooner or later, you will lose control of your disorder. Recognize the signs of functional alcoholism so you can get help before destruction starts.
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All alcoholics are controlled by their addiction, but some have not let it affect the rest of their life. They can still hold a job, their personal relationships do not seem to have suffered and they haven’t hurt anyone in a traffic accident. In other words, they can still function in society and society will think they are fine. This won’t last forever. Eventually, they will lose control and will need help.
Why are Functional Alcoholics Harder to Identify?
A functional alcoholic doesn’t fit the stereotype of the alcoholic. They don’t miss work or social obligations because of drinking, and they seem to be taking care of their family. They look physically healthy and they don’t let any emotional problems show. Anyone looking for the typical stereotype of the alcoholic whose life is falling apart will think everything is fine because the alcoholic has managed to hide their disorder so well. In truth, however, alcohol has a stronghold on them, and sooner or later, their façade will fall and their problem will be all too obvious.
Questions to Ask Yourself
You may be so good at hiding your addiction to alcohol that you’ve even fooled yourself. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably at least a little concerned. Here are questions to ask yourself if you suspect you do have a problem:
- When you leave work for the day, do you routinely stop at a bar on the way home – or have a drink as soon as you get home?
- Do you have to have wine or another alcoholic drink at every meal?
- Have you engaged in binge drinking, driven while drunk, consumed alcohol while taking care of young children, or behaved in other risky ways?
- Do you joke about your drinking or brag about how well you can “hold your liquor”?
- Do you hide alcohol around the house? Do you take elaborate measures to hide your drinking habits?
- Do you think obsessively about your next drink? If something stops you from finally having it, do you get upset?
- If you cannot get a drink when you think you need it, do you feel withdrawal symptoms?
- Have you ever been confronted by someone who thinks you have a drinking problem? Did it make you upset or make you feel like you were being attacked?
- Have any of your personal or professional relationships been hurt by your drinking?
- Have you ever had so much to drink that you’ve blacked out or couldn’t remember some of what happened?
When to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction
The time to seek help for alcohol addiction is as soon as you suspect you have a problem. If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, you should seek professional intervention before you’re unable to hide your disorder any longer.
Resurgence Behavioral Health Can Help with Alcohol Addiction
You are sure to find the help you need at Resurgence, which offers comprehensive treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction. Treatment is provided in inpatient (residential) and outpatient programs, with various therapies customized for the client’s individual needs. To speak with a treatment expert who can determine the best course of treatment for you, contact Resurgence at (855) 458-0050
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
