Am I a High-Functioning Alcoholic? Know the Signs

When they enter treatment, their addictions are generally more severe, and they have more medical and psychiatric symptoms than men do. They have also suffered more sober house social consequences as a result of their AUD. Identifying and treating alcohol use disorder early can be key in preventing the issue from escalating further.

• Such individuals can become short-tempered, irritable, angry, or even aggressive if they are confronted about their drinking habits.
• Instead, voice your concerns, share how their drinking is affecting others, and suggest ways that you can help them talk to a doctor or join a support group.
• If your spouse is related to someone with an AUD, that could be contributing to their problems with alcohol.

A stressful and unsupportive home life can be a powerful avoidance strategy and trigger for drinking. Numerous factors increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder; these risk factors will be detailed below. As some alcoholics do, he has sought help, and we’re going on two years with our new, less tumultuous lifestyle. But he had to hit rock bottom to do it, and he dragged me down with him. It’s likely never talked about between you, and you keep quiet because you think you’re helping.

Can An Alcoholic Quit Cold Turkey?

A substance abuse counselor, family therapist or spiritual advisor may also attend to provide an objective presence and keep the agenda on track. Many people who are married to a high functioning alcoholic start to feel isolated and overwhelmed. But, divorcing a high functioning alcoholic does not have to be the only solution. Experts at a professional addiction treatment center can help a couple get to the root of the drinking problem and put the relationship back on track.

Alcohol is a depressant, so they are essentially using it to dull their senses. Even just a few drinks a night to take the edge off could be the start of a serious alcohol dependency. Even if it seems as though your partner’s drinking isn’t affecting their daily life, excessive drinking and a tolerance build-up are a major sign that they may be an alcoholic or struggling with addiction. Although an intervention can take many forms, many of these meetings open with each participant stating how the alcoholic’s behavior has harmed or disappointed them. The alcoholic is then presented with a plan of care, including a proposal of consequences if they decide to refuse. For instance, the alcoholic may be denied visitation rights or may be faced with a marital separation if he decides not to seek help.

They Use Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

We can help you find Al-Anon or alternative support group zoom meetings for you as an outlet. For more information on Al-Anon and even teen support groups for kids of alcoholics, click here. Accepting addiction is difficult for everyone involved, but you can help break the denial by bringing it up in a kind way. When talking to your spouse about going to treatment, they will be more receptive if you approach them in a calm and helpful manner.

• Additionally, functional alcoholics may choose to drink alone to hide their drinking habits from others.
• Nearly 20% of alcoholics are highly functional and well-educated with good incomes.
• None of the testimonials, case results or anything else written on this website, are a guarantee, warranty, prediction or assurance regarding the results that may be obtained in your case.

While cirrhosis scars from excessive drinking are irreversible, quitting alcohol and leading a healthier lifestyle can help your liver heal from alcohol-related liver disease. If you told a therapist, “My husband is an alcohol abuser,” they might suggest using the CAGE questionnaire as a screening test for alcoholism. When you are living with a high-functioning alcoholic, it is tempting to make excuses for them, call in sick for them when they have a hangover, bail them out of jail, or bring home liquor at their request. Seeing the signs of codependence in your marriage is the first step toward making needed changes. The dysfunctional type of relating, though, is not the only thing that needs changing.

Addictions

You’re just as addicted as he is, only you’re addicted to his care, addicted to the intoxicating hope that he’ll get better and be the man you know he can be. All you want are evenings at home, as a family, where you don’t feel like you have to bribe him with something enticing enough to keep him there. You want to know that when (and if) he comes home, there won’t be alcohol on his breath. High-functioning alcoholism often arises when someone helps to enable it in another person. For example, the alcoholic may chronically borrow money from a friend or loved one to cover their habit. Or, perhaps they constantly make excuses for not being somewhere.

• If your ability to manage stress on your own is low, you may turn to alcohol to cope.Don’t beat yourself up over a potential alcohol problem, because treatment options are available.
• You may also be spending a lot of energy covering for him; perhaps you need to take care of the household finances or make excuses if he has to miss family functions or other important events because of his drinking.
• Those with moderate to severe alcohol use disorders often try to fix, manage, and control everybody and everything.
• Arguments and fighting aren’t the only issues at play when you are married to a high-functioning alcoholic.