What About the High Functioning Alcoholic?

We have probably all heard the term thrown around. Many times, it is in reference to a family member, loved one or friend we would describe as one who is continuing to manage some affairs regarding employment, relationships, day to day responsibilities, etc. One thing to consider is what will it look like when this person is no longer functioning? What would you expect to see in their day-to-day life, physical appearance, emotional stability, relationship functioning?

One of the main reasons people who mis use alcohol seek help is because they begin to experience negative consequences related to their drinking. It simply starts to have a negative effect on their life and forces them to think about addressing it. Alcoholism is a disease affecting the mind, body and spirit. One of the ways the mind is affected can be through a delusional thinking or a mental block which prevents the individual from seeing how alcohol is impacting their life. It is a startling fact that one of the key criteria factors which mental health practitioners use to determine whether there are symptoms to justify Alcohol Use Disorder used to include the words "self-deception" another word for denial. That means that in order to have the illness of Alcohol Use Disorder one needs to at one time, or another not believe they had Alcohol Use Disorder!

While there are always variable factors here are some red flags indicating you or your loved one might be in the problem area with alcohol.

• Are you the first one at the bar after work or do you pour yourself a drink immediately upon returning home after the day?

• Do you get agitated, irritable or nervous if a meeting is planned which interferes with you having a drink?

• Are there often times when you drink more or longer than you intended?

• Do you tend to joke about alcoholism?

• Do you "drink" your meals or use meals as an excuse to begin drinking?

• Have you engaged in any high-risk behaviors (even if you haven't got caught) including binge drinking, driving under the influence or drinking while caring for your children?

• Has a loved one ever confronted you about your drinking? Did it make you feel angry or irritated?

• Have you ever experienced an alcohol-related blackout, during which you could not remember parts of the night or how you got home?

• Has your drinking caused any relationship problems?

• Have you ever hidden your alcohol consumption?

• Do you experience symptoms of withdrawal when you are not able to drink alcohol?

It's important to note that when people seek help for an alcohol problem before there are critical negative consequences, they often report experiencing gratitude, a sense of empowerment, an improvement in their relationships and overall increased enjoyment in everyday life. This is a crucial time to seek help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or addiction, reach out to me for a consultation. Also, you can access resources in your community by visiting Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at Find Treatment | SAMHSA

Take care,

Clayton Sponhaltz, LCDC