Recognizing Functional Alcoholism: When Drinking Becomes Problematic

Functional alcoholism can be difficult to diagnose at times, because the person is still employed, maintains relationships and has obligations. However, the opportunity to work does not rule out the worst side effects from excessive alcohol consumption. If symptoms of functional alcoholism have been detected, then perhaps treatment might be possible. In this blog, let’s take a look at functional alcoholism and its symptoms.

What is Functional Alcoholism?

High functioning alcoholism refers to a pattern of drinking where the individual continues to fulfill their responsibilities in their personal as well as professional place of work despite the alcoholism. Functional alcoholics appear to be hard-working and sane people who have physical and psychological decline that may result in other issues.

Signs of Functional Alcoholism

Identifying functional alcoholism can be difficult, as many people hide or justify their drinking habits. Some common signs include:

Drinking Daily or Routinely

Functional alcoholics are usually conscious drinkers, who take alcohol at specified times probably at night or directly from work and overtime. This becomes part of their routine. This particular routine perpetuates dependency, which is why it is difficult to identify or unlearn this process.

Drinking to Cope

Some of the functional alcoholics rely on alcohol as a stress reliever, anti-anxiety medication or to help cope with other problems. This relation of drinking especially implies an emotional dependence where they consider alcohol as part of their coping strategy for exigent responsibilities.

Hiding or Downplaying Drinking

A functional alcoholic may drink responsibly and will do all to hide it from his friends or family knowing that he is an alcoholic. As a result, he may deny or rationalize the issue, making them unconsciously attempt to hide the severity of their alcoholism.

Experiencing Blackouts

Memory blackouts or memory lapses after taking alcohol from time to time are dangerous signs of alcohol consumption. These episodes indicate tolerance level and drinking habits that are hazardous to mental and physical wellbeing and can result in the long term effects.

Neglecting Health

Functional alcoholism ignores basic health indicators associated with alcohol consumption to sustain his or her drinking habits such as fatigue or digestive issues. Such neglect results in even more severe complications because health becomes the least of anyone’s concern, and alcoholism becomes the new way of life.

Why Functional Alcoholism is Dangerous

A functional alcoholism might be especially dangerous because it can often go unnoticed, even  by the affected person. Although the functional alcoholics are capable of going to work and maintaining family and other responsibilities, it downplays the effects of alcoholism on the affected person. However, moderate and consistent drinking of alcohol is still an issue with serious effects on health because it causes liver disease, hypertension and poor performance.

Conclusion: Moving Toward a Healthier Life

Functional alcoholism is fatal, and the change should be made. Being aware of its symptoms and of its effects help to assist the patient. This is why recovery is possible with the help of supportive resources and determination. When functional alcoholism is addressed, a person begins the process of understanding how to improve his life and the lives of those around him. Therapy, support groups, and educational resources like the Inner Help can also be instrumental in helping people recognize the problem and take steps toward change.

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