The Myth of the High-Functioning Alcoholic
Apparent success may lead family, friends, and colleagues to overlook problematic drinking.
A high-functioning alcoholic is someone who exhibits a pattern of excessive or frequent alcohol consumption yet is able to maintain their drinking habits within socially acceptable boundaries. They may hold a prestigious job, have apparently stable and fulfilling family relationships, and possess the outward appearance of leading a happy life despite their underlying struggles with alcohol. In fact, their apparent success may lead family, friends, and colleagues to overlook their drinking.
The Myth of the High-Functioning Alcoholic
Individuals who appear to be high-functioning may be in denial of their alcohol dependence. However, if someone drinks heavily, secretively, or despite negative consequences, it is going to catch up with them eventually.ย According to the US Guidelines, adults of legal drinking age “can choose not to drink or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women when alcohol is consumed.” For a functioning alcoholic, these guidelines may seem laughable or impossible.
Heavy drinking is defined as more than four drinks per day or 14 per week for men. For women who have higher risks where alcohol is concerned, heavy drinking is more than three drinks per day or seven per week. For more information on US guidelines and alcohol, click the link to the excellent website Rethinking Drinking by the National Institutes of Health.
There have been volumes written about โthe warning signs of alcoholism.โ For example, drinking first thing in the morning or getting in barroom fights regularly is a drinking problem. Or if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, itโs obvious you need help. But what if the signs are subtler than that? At Sanford Behavioral Health, we say, โIf drinking is impacting your relationships, you have a drinking problem, no matter how much alcohol you can handle.โ Sanford Founder Rae Green, JD, LPC, CAADC
Signs, Red Flags, and Indicators
- Loved ones are worried about you or call you out on your excuses.
- You “need” alcohol to relax or for “liquid courage.”
- Relationships are taxed because of your behavior under the influence, but you do not quit or moderate.
- You have legal problems related to drinking.
- You have blackouts or trouble remembering what you did the night before.
- Finding places to hide alcohol so you don’t have to explain your alcohol use becomes commonplace.
- Your family or friends are disappointed by missed milestones or responsibilities.
- Read the article below for the more subltle indicators of a drinking problem by Sanford Founder Rae Green.
Drinking Problem? How Do I Know If I Have One?
By:ย
Our Admissions Specialists regularly take calls from people who are unsure whether they have a drinking problem. The caller is often in trouble, but they donโt see itโor donโt want to see it. We appreciate these calls because they provide a non-threatening forum to discuss addiction and the treatment options available in our continuum of care atย Sanford Behavioral Health. [Read More…]
Sanford Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we understand how hard it is to take the first step toward recovery. However, our full continuum of care can help. Our medical and mental health experts provide evidence-based outpatient and intensive programs to meet your needs.ย From detox to aftercare, we are here for you every step of the way. If you or someone you know could benefit from an alcohol addiction program, call 616.202.3326 to speak to an admissions specialist today.
Our comprehensive alcohol addiction rehab program provides the following services:
- Psychiatrist-led collaborative care team
- Medically monitored detox
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders
- Residential treatment
- Day programs
- Intensive outpatient programs (3 hours/3 days per week)
- Supportive living
- Group, family, and individual therapy
- Outpatient therapy
- Family education and support
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Ongoing support for patients and their families
- Family education
- Aftercare
- Alumni support
Providing evidence-based therapies along with experiential and whole-body wellness in a calm environment gives individuals the best chance to meet their sobriety goals.
