The Signs and Symptoms of a Functioning Alcoholic
When we think of the word functioning we may think of someone who probably has their life under control. But when we put functioning and alcoholic together, something different might come to mind. Is there a difference between a functioning alcoholic and someone who suffers from alcohol use disorder? Let’s look at the signs and symptoms of what it means to be a functioning alcoholic.
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What is a Functioning Alcoholic?
When we hear the term alcoholic, we typically think of someone who is struggling with an alcohol addiction. And there are several “types” of alcoholics, to further complicate the matter. So what is the difference between someone who is an “alcoholic” and someone who is a “functioning alcoholic”? If you’re wondering what is considered to be an alcoholic, it’s not whether or not they can “hold their liquor” better than the other — both are under the same definition of having an alcohol use disorder or AUD. To be diagnosed with AUD you have to meet several criteria, such as the inability to control drinking even after it has caused issues in one’s personal life or work life. While a “functioning alcoholic” might meet this specific criteria, it’s their usage, drinking pattern, and addiction that still classifies them with an alcoholic use disorder. The “functional” part of their diagnosis is simply that their bodies have built up a tolerance from years of drinking that they are still able to maintain their jobs, and still have healthy relationships.
Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic
When it comes to alcohol addiction there are some common traits, such as drinking in secret, rationalizing their drinking habits, and trying to maintain a facade of their normal life. When it comes to a functional alcoholic there are seven signs to look for:
- Drinking to cope.
- High tolerance of alcohol.
- Change in personality when drunk.
- Decline in academic or professional performance.
- Experiencing memory lapses.
- Neglect of responsibilities.
- Self-isolation.
There are also physical symptoms that may indicate someone who is a functioning alcoholic:
Dull or grey-looking skin.
Frequent hangovers.
Bloodshot eyes.
Shaking or hand tremors.
Dry skin.
Symptoms of a Functioning Alcoholic
While someone who is a functional alcoholic might be better at hiding their drinking problems, the chances are that they’re not hiding it as well as they thought they were. Besides the physical signs of constant alcohol use like dry skin, an increase in wrinkles, dull and grey-looking skin, and a puffy or more bloated face and body. There are emotional symptoms of that of a functioning alcoholic:
- Increased mood swings.
- Anxiety and depression, especially if they never had it before.
- Irritability.
- Isolation.
- Neglecting responsibilities.
- Deteriorating work or school performances, such as missing assignments or being late in the morning because of a hangover.
The Risks and Consequences of Functional Alcoholism
There are many short and long-term health risks associated with chronic alcohol consumption. Alcohol can impair your judgment, reaction time, and fine motor skills leading you to have minor injuries, falls, and violent altercations with others. There is also a higher chance of causing alcohol poisoning which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Long-term health risks like stroke, cancer, and liver diseases may not be irreversible. Like any chronic health issue, the health-related risk that comes with functional alcoholism can put a strain on relationships emotionally and financially. Functional alcoholism health risks also affect job and career prospects due to being hungover, having bloodshot eyes, and lapses in judgment that come with chronic alcohol use.
Breaking the Myth of the Functioning Alcoholic
There is a myth surrounding functioning alcoholics, that they carry the “illusion of control” when it comes to their drinking habits. The word “functional” is only there because they can hide their drinking problem better than others, for a time. A functioning alcoholic can quickly spiral into more severe alcoholism as their alcohol tolerance increases leading to more short and long-term health risks, like falls, strokes, alcohol poisoning, and other health-related complications caused by their alcohol use. They might spiral into more severe alcoholism by becoming more self-isolated and self-destructive like adding drugs to their addictive behavior.
Addiction Treatment that
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Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
Seeking Help for Functional Alcoholism
Addiction is never an easy subject to talk about, especially when it’s about someone we love and care about. It can be hard to know how to help an alcoholic in denial especially. Bringing up their alcohol struggles might be faced with them lashing out, or convincing you that they don’t have a problem. Here are four steps you can take to stage an intervention for a functioning alcoholic:
- Build rapport: Raise the subject. This might look like just having a conversation about drinking and asking them about their drinking habits.
- Provide feedback: You don’t want to point fingers and attack them. Instead, tell them that you care about them and that you are concerned about their overall well-being and health.
- Build readiness to change: This is where you can ask them outright to try to change their drinking, it can be as simple as going cold turkey or reducing their drinking significantly.
- Negotiate a plan for change: Alcohol addiction treatment and recovery works better when the person has a team behind them, show and tell them that you are on their team and set up a plan for success together.
Treatment Options for Functional Alcoholism
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our highly trained medical staff take a more holistic approach to addiction treatment, not only treating the addiction but taking into account your physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. Our team is made up of medical professionals, certified addiction specialists, and licensed therapists, many of who have struggled with addiction themselves and now flourish in a sober life. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, all treatment programs, including inpatient addiction treatment, are customized and geared toward your sustained addiction recovery. Our facility feels more like a home away from home, aiming for a harmonious environment. While at Resurgence Behavioral Health, you can focus on yourself and sobriety. If you are ready to take the next step into sober living, give Resurgence Behavioral Health a call at 855-458-0050 or contact us online.
