So, like James, you can take the first crucial step on the road to recovery. At one time they may have enjoyed a glass of wine and a drink or two but didn’t have an issue with alcohol. But alcohol addiction can cause considerable physical and psychological damage to someone, as well as their friends and loved ones. It is said functioning alcoholics may vary from other people with dependency as they believe they can live a normal life while still drinking and can overcome alcoholism alone.
What’s Wrong with Being an Alcoholic if You’re Functional?
Your doctor may also conduct imaging tests if other laboratory studies come back abnormal. For example, a computed tomography (CT) scan tests for liver enlargement, which can occur after years of chronic functioning alcoholic drinking. Your doctor may order this test if your blood tests indicate abnormal liver functioning. Although you might not hit all the criteria for the condition, and the impact on your life may appear minimal, AUD is a chronic and progressive condition.
Teen & Young Adult Treatment Tracks
One-quarter also suffer from a major depressive illness at some point in their lives. Whether you have an alcoholic spouse, partner or other loved one, you may be wondering how to help. High-functioning alcoholics can benefit from having an at-home support system before, during and after any form of treatment for their addiction. There are hundreds of resources all over the country designed to address the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction.
Why See a Psychiatrist for Addiction?
Both residential and outpatient day treatment programs are available for those in recovery. However, there are individuals that meet the criteria for AUD but do not experience these impacts. You could have AUD even if you are able to keep a relatively normal life if you fulfill at least two of the DSM-5 criteria for the condition. For those seeking non-12-step options, SMART Recovery offers a science-based support model focused on what is alcoholism self-empowerment and practical tools. Participants learn techniques to manage cravings, regulate emotions, and build motivation using structured exercises and peer accountability. Most importantly, getting help early allows you to regain clarity, balance, and control before alcohol quietly reshapes your life in more painful ways.
- One of the main problems with being a functioning alcoholic is that you don’t draw any attention from your drinking.
- If you have AUD but are not connected with treatment, the risk of progressing to more severe AUD is much greater.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- These questions aren’t a diagnosis, but they can help you reflect honestly on your relationship with alcohol and whether it may be affecting you more than you realize.
Signs of a functioning alcoholic
- If you, a husband or wife, or a loved one drinks every day or nearly every day, special attention should be paid to treating this habit with professional support and expertise.
- Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
- A high-functioning alcohol addict avoids withdrawal symptoms by drinking just enough alcohol to avoid symptoms whilst maintaining functioning.
- Enter your number below and one of the members of our admissions team will call you back shortly.
When most people think of alcoholics or drug addicts, they don’t picture a middle-class mother of two, a straight-A university student, or the CEO of a financial firm. Since people with high-functioning AUD can be on the milder spectrum of the condition, the earlier treatment happens, the https://journalistindia.com/features/withdrawal-syndrome-long-term-recovery-paws/10/02/2025/ more it may be possible to avoid a progression. There is research showing that about 19.5 percent of people with AUD are middle-aged, well-educated, and have stable jobs, homes, and families.