While alcohol dependence is a destructive condition that can destroy lives, a few people who battle with it manage to hold down big duties and difficult jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, reside in great communities, and earn a lot of money.

Nevertheless, simply because they are high-functioning doesn't indicate that they are immune to the results of alcohol. They are still in danger of injuring themselves and those near them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a doctor operating with tremulous hands, or a money-lender dealing with large sums of money are each in danger of triggering horrible tragedies if they continue on their dysfunctional course.

Here are some indicators that can assist in detecting these ticking time bombs:

1. They drink as an alternative to consuming food.

Alcoholics will commonly change meals with a couple of cocktails, lose interest in meals completely, or substitute mealtime as a reason to start drinking alcohol.
2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after a number of drinks.

Consuming alcohol routinely over an extended period of time can cause the human body to become reliant or dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics are able to drink excessively without the brutal hangover that torments the periodic drinker.

3. Abstinence makes them irritable, anxious, or otherwise uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to abstain from drinking, his or her body routinely responds negatively, as they depend on the sedative results of alcohol. Abruptly stopping could cause stress and anxiety, anxiousness, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and even convulsions.

4. Their behavior patterns transform considerably while intoxicated on booze.

When they drink, alcoholics may change considerably. For example, a typically pleasant individual might become aggressive, or make impulsive decisions.
5. They cannot have only two alcoholic beverages.

An alcoholic has a difficult time stopping, and might even "polish off" others' drinks. Alcohol will never ever be left on the table, and there is always a disguise for "one more round.".

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are common
Quite a few alcoholics will take part in events that they have no recollection of the following day. They might not seem significantly intoxicated at the time, but they're unable to remember events that occurred.

7. Attempts to talk about drinking actions are received with aggression and denial.

When confronted with problems surrounding their alcohol intake, hard drinkers will usually fall back to denial or aggression, making discussion difficult.

8. They always have a very good explanation for why they drink.

If flat denial or anger is not the preferred method of evasion, a lot of alcoholism .htm">alcoholism .htm">alcoholic s will have an outwardly sensible reason for their behavior. Tension at work, issues at home, or a bounty of social obligations are prevalent reasons to explain their damaging behavior.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Lots of alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak alcoholic beverages from a container in a desk or in their car. This kind of concealed alcohol consumption is a remarkable warning sign and there is no other explanation for this conduct besides alcohol addict ion .

Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by by being observant for problematic conduct in order to get these distressed coworkers, loved ones, and close friends the help they require.


While alcoholism is a terrible disorder that can and does damage lives, some individuals who struggle with it are able to hold down substantial duties and demanding careers. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in fantastic communities, and make a considerable earnings.

Simply because they're high-functioning does not indicate that they're immune to the consequences of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a doctor performing surgery with unsteady hands, or a banker handling huge sums of cash are each at-risk of causing terrible catastrophes if they stay on their unhealthy course.