It is easy to assume that someone who fights alcohol addiction corresponds to a very specific image – aimed, unemployed and often in desperate circumstances.
But what if the person you work with every day, who always meets the deadlines and maintains a successful career hides a much darker secret? High -functional alcoholics are often invisible to those around them, they live seemingly normal, and at the same time secretly fight for a strong addiction.
This type of alcoholism can be particularly dangerous because it is not immediately obvious, allowing individuals to slip into addiction without anyone noticing warning signals. Let’s dive into this complex problem that is not as easy to find out as you might think.
High functional alcoholics are individuals who are dependent on alcohol but are still able to maintain a normal everyday life. They will be able to go to work, finish tasks and engage in social activities without seeing fighting.
Unlike the normal stereotype of alcoholics who are homeless or unemployed, highly functioning alcoholics resist this image. In fact, their ability to function effectively often leads to success in different areas of life, which makes it difficult for family, friends and co -workers to recognize signs of alcoholism.
The American dependence centers define alcoholism as a “healing chronic medical disorder” that leads to permanent changes in the brain. Because high -functioning alcoholics do not show obvious signs of alcohol problems and continue to fulfill their daily duties, they often do not seek medical attention or intervention.
For many high -functioning alcoholics, denial is an important factor. Since they do not experience immediate negative consequences in their work or relationships, they may not recognize the severity of their drinks.
Although high -function alcoholics can drink as well as someone with alcohol use disorder, they do not seem to occur under the influence of alcohol over time due to their high alcohol tolerance.
According to national health institutions, up to 20% of heavy drinkers are highly functional alcoholics. Many of these individuals are educated and have stable income.
When they are confronted with their drinking, they can try to justify apologies like, “How can I be addicted when I have a stable job and friends?” or “I’m successful so my drinking can’t be out of control.”
Excessive drinking, however, can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the liver, kidneys and pancreas, as well as increased risks of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. It also contributes to the fight against mental health, such as depression and anxiety.
The first sign of high -functioning alcoholism is often denied. These individuals also tend to use alcohol as a management mechanism and have high alcohol tolerance, along with different excuses to justify their drinking.
The good news is that treatment is available to help highly functioning alcoholics. These include detoxification, inpatient or outpatient programs, therapy, support groups and medicines.
In conclusion, highly functional alcoholics are often not unnoticed because of their ability to maintain a seemingly normal life in fighting alcohol addiction. Their success in everyday activities and work can mask the severity of their dependence, which leads to denial and lack of intervention. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have serious long -term effects on physical and mental health.
Recognition of the symptoms of high -functioning alcoholism, such as denial, increased tolerance and the use of alcohol as a management mechanism, is essential to help individuals seek the support they need. Fortunately, treatment options such as detoxification, therapy and support groups can help these individuals gain control of their lives and solve their dependence.