High-Functioning Alcoholism: 10 Signs & Symptoms of Functional Alcoholism

High-Functioning Alcoholism: Understanding the Signs & Symptoms of Functional Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) doesn’t always look the way people expect. For many high-performing professionals and successful individuals, drinking may appear controlled from the outside because it’s balanced with a demanding career, social obligations, and personal responsibilities. However, behind the accomplishments and polished exterior, the struggle with alcohol can be very real. This is what’s often referred to as high-functioning alcoholism.

Just because someone can maintain their career or lifestyle doesn’t mean their drinking isn’t harmful. Left unaddressed, AUD can lead to serious health complications, emotional distress, and long-term consequences that affect every aspect of life. The good news is that help is available, and recovery is possible.

At Borden Cottage, our luxury residential treatment center in Maine, we specialize in helping high-achieving individuals regain control through discreet, compassionate, and comprehensive care. Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol or concerned about someone close to you, understanding the signs of functional alcoholism is an important first step.

Understanding High-Functioning Alcoholism

Understanding Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence, also referred to as AUD, is a condition in which someone relies both physically and mentally on alcohol. They may frequently participate in binge drinking, or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. If you have AUD, you may want to cut back on your drinking or quit entirely, but you may experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to do so.

In many cases, someone will also experience a loss of control when they begin drinking alcohol. For example, if you struggle with AUD, you may find it hard to stop once you begin drinking. You may also typically drink more than you intended or continue drinking even if it leads to negative consequences in your life.

What Is High-Functioning Alcoholism?

Someone who has high-functioning alcoholism may appear to live a normal and successful life but still struggle, even in secret, with AUD. They typically hide their disorder from friends and family and may even be able to continue to perform well at work. Their social lives and relationships may not yet be significantly impacted by their alcoholism. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re not still struggling with the effects of alcohol misuse and are in need of alcohol addiction treatment.

Functional Alcoholism

Someone who has functional alcoholism may often turn to alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. They may also frequently drink alone or in secret and spend a lot of their time drinking or recovering from drinking. Even if it may seem like they have their life together, they can still be at risk for liver disease and many other health consequences.

Some people with functional alcoholism may try to convince themselves that if they have a great career or a nice home, they cannot truly have a problem with their drinking. In reality, however, AUD does not discriminate when it comes to income or status. It can affect anyone, regardless of their background or how much money they may make.

Functional Tolerance

If you have a functional tolerance when it comes to alcohol, it can mean that you can seem to act normally even while under the influence of alcohol. For example, you might not show the usual signs of alcohol intoxication like slurred speech or stumbling, even though you may still be heavily intoxicated. When someone has functional tolerance, it can be difficult to recognize the warning signs that they have a substance use disorder (SUD).

Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction can affect people in many different ways. If you or someone you know may be struggling with alcohol use, there are some signs that you can look out for.

Some signs of alcohol use may include:

  • Drinking more than you typically intend to
  • Experiencing alcohol withdrawal if you attempt to limit or quit drinking
  • Prioritizing alcohol over work, school, or relationships
  • Frequently experiencing blackouts when you don’t remember what you said or did while under the influence of alcohol
  • Having trouble keeping up with your personal or professional responsibilities because of your alcohol use
  • Taking part in risky or dangerous behavior while you’re under the influence of alcohol

Signs of Functional Alcoholism

Someone with functional alcoholism will typically experience many of the same negative consequences of drinking that others do. However, they may just be able to hide it better.

There are some signs of high-functioning alcoholism that you can look out for, including:

  • A very high alcohol tolerance (being able to drink large amounts at once without seeming drunk)
  • Often trying to rationalize your drinking
  • Drinking alone or in secrecy
  • Having trouble cutting back on alcohol use or being unable to quit drinking
  • Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions
  • Needing alcohol to sleep
  • Experiencing relationship strain as a result of alcohol misuse
  • Hiding your alcohol consumption from others
  • Feeling/becoming angry or defensive when others confront you about your alcohol use

Symptoms of High-Functioning Alcoholism

Characteristics of High-Functioning Alcoholism

There are certain characteristics or warning signs that can often be associated with high-functioning alcoholism.

Some examples include:

  • Denying you have a problem
  • Getting defensive about your drinking habits
  • Exhibiting a very high alcohol tolerance
  • Not appearing to be intoxicated even after consuming large amounts of alcohol
  • Hiding your alcohol use from others (for example, disposing of bottles/cans so others won’t see)
  • Consuming alcohol in dangerous situations
  • Continuing to perform well at work or school despite frequently being intoxicated
  • Experiencing worsened mental health issues due to alcohol misuse

High Functioning vs. Non-High Functioning Alcoholism

The primary difference between high-functioning and non-high-functioning alcoholism isn’t necessarily the degree to which someone struggles with alcohol. Rather, it has more to do with how well you are able to hide it. Someone with high-functioning alcoholism can typically hide their substance misuse very effectively, at least for a while. However, someone with non-high-functioning alcoholism will usually display obvious signs of their substance disorder.

The Consequences of Heavy Drinking

Health Problems Caused By Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Continuing to drink heavily over an extended period of time can lead to many serious health problems. This can include both physical and mental health problems, some of which may be long-term.

Alcoholism can be a risk factor for some of these problems:

  • Increased anxiety and depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Mood swings
  • Problems with decision making
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Liver failure
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Fertility problems
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Weakened immune function

It is important to be aware that heavy drinking can lead to life-threatening health complications. The chance of developing these risks can go up if you are misusing alcohol alongside other substances, especially depressants like benzodiazepines.

Some potentially life-threatening risks of alcohol misuse can include:

  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Overdose
  • Accidents due to risky behavior or impaired judgment
  • Death from liver issues or complications from other chronic diseases

Relationship Problems Caused By Substance Use

Substance use can lead to many serious relationship problems. This is because it can cause a loss of trust that can be difficult to repair. It can also lead to an increase in conflict and arguments, and make it difficult for you to keep up with personal or professional obligations.

Some other relationship problems that may be connected to substance use may include:

  • Job loss or financial strain
  • Poor money management
  • Emotional distance or being emotionally unavailable
  • Legal issues that may impact the whole family
  • Trouble with communication
  • A loss of affection or physical connection

It can be difficult to build and maintain strong and healthy relationships while you are struggling with alcohol misuse. However, through recovery, you can begin to rebuild broken trust and repair any damage that was caused as a result of your addiction.

Career Problems Caused By Substance Use

Alcohol misuse, along with other kinds of substance use, can lead to a lot of career problems, even if you are high-functioning. When you are often under the influence of alcohol, it is common to find yourself in a state of mental fog. If you’re pushing through a hangover or tired from heavy drinking the night before, you’re not going to perform as well at work as you would otherwise. You might make more mistakes than usual, have trouble focusing, and have a harder time staying motivated.

Substance use can also cause you to be late or absent from work more than you usually would. For example, you may find yourself frequently calling out sick because you’re feeling tired or hungover. This can lead to disciplinary action or even being threatened with being fired or forced to resign. If you experience a legal issue as a result of your substance use, such as a DUI, this can increase your risk of losing your position even further and may also make you ineligible for future career possibilities.

Even if substance use does not cause you to experience job loss, it can still cause you to miss out on future opportunities that could advance your career in a positive way. This could be because you simply don’t have the motivation or energy to pursue these things. It could also be because your substance misuse may damage your reputation or your professional connections.

Seeking Treatment For Alcohol Addiction

How Can You Help Someone Who Denies They Have a Problem?

If you have a loved one who is dealing with high-functioning alcoholism, it can be difficult for them to recognize that they have a drinking problem or admit that they need help. However, family involvement plays a very important role in the recovery process. Your loved one needs to know that you are here to support them as they begin this journey and that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to help them achieve and maintain their sobriety.

Having a loved one who is struggling with alcohol misuse can take a major toll on your mental health. However, there is educational support and resources that can help families. There are also support group meetings that you can attend alongside others who are going through a similar experience.

At Borden Cottage, we prioritize a family-inclusive and supportive environment. This includes educational sessions and therapy for the loved ones of those going through treatment.

Can Someone With SUD Stop Drinking?

In many cases, a person with SUD cannot stop drinking without the help of professional support. You can access this support through inpatient or outpatient care, or a variety of treatment facilities and residential treatment centers. As you progress in your recovery journey, you can receive continued support from support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Why Early Intervention Matters

When it comes to alcohol misuse, early intervention is very important. This is because alcoholism is a progressive disease. In other words, it can get worse and worse as time goes on. Early intervention can help you get this disorder taken care of as soon as possible and avoid potential issues in the future. This can also help to decrease your risk of developing serious mental health conditions and medical issues as a result of continued substance misuse.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Assessment

Everyone’s experience with AUD can look different, which is why a comprehensive assessment to create an individualized treatment plan is crucial. At Borden Cottage, we deliver an exceptional level of care that acknowledges the distinct challenges faced by highly successful individuals. We place a strong emphasis on privacy, providing you with the support you need in a safe setting as you navigate your path to recovery.

Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder

There are a variety of treatment options for professionals who struggle with substance misuse. Treatment begins with withdrawal management, formally known as medical detox. While this can be carried out through both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, inpatient treatment is considered the safest method because the process is done under the supervision of medical professionals.

At Borden Cottage, we work to effectively treat symptoms of withdrawal to keep our clients as comfortable as possible throughout this process. Treatment is often followed by behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or continued counseling.

Choosing Luxury Residential Treatment

The Unique Features of Borden Cottage

Borden Cottage offers a luxury residential treatment environment with many unique features, such as:

  • A high staff-to-patient ratio that allows you to have the focus and attention you deserve
  • Holistic wellness and lifestyle medicine
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Evidence-based care
  • A beautiful environment for healing
  • Therapeutic activities
  • Access to many outdoor activities
  • A multitude of unique accommodations such as a yoga studio, bowling alley, theater, billiard room, and outdoor pool

The Importance of Aftercare

Aftercare is very important in preventing relapse and ensuring that you can enjoy long-term sobriety. At Borden Cottage, we offer ongoing support for sustainable recovery. This includes community integration and involvement so that you can make lasting connections that will stay with you long after you leave our facility.

FAQ

Is there such a thing as successful high-functioning alcoholism?

Some people with high-functioning alcohol use disorder may be successful both professionally and within their relationships. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t still have a serious problem that can lead to serious health consequences and other potential issues in the future.

Can you drink all the time and not be considered to have a drinking problem?

If you have a high tolerance, you may be able to drink heavily regularly without other people recognizing that you are engaging in alcohol misuse. However, this does not mean that you do not have a drinking problem. If you frequently drink more than you intended, experience blackouts, or have tried and struggled to cut back on drinking, you may have developed a SUD.

Does insurance cover the cost of addiction treatment?

Whether insurance covers some or all of addiction treatment depends on the facility where you’re undergoing treatment and the type of treatment you’re receiving. At Borden Cottage, we do not accept insurance as payment. However, a member of our team can connect you with a healthcare advocate to help you determine if you may be eligible for possible reimbursement.

If you are struggling with an alcohol use disorder, you know how isolating it can be. Maybe you find yourself hiding your drinking from those closest to you. Or maybe you often find yourself dealing with the negative effects of alcohol, whether it be hangovers, relationship problems, or financial strain. If this is something that you’re currently experiencing, our team at Borden Cottage is here to help. Recovery is possible. Our team has helped many people from all walks of life experience the joy of recovery. We want to help you, too. To learn more, reach out to our team at (207) 230-8210, and we can answer any questions you may have.