High-functioning alcoholics are individuals who, on the surface, may appear to have everything under control—thriving careers, stable families, and seemingly normal lives. However, beneath this façade, they are quietly struggling with an addiction to alcohol. Often, these individuals are middle-aged, well-educated, and financially secure, which makes it harder for others to see the signs of their addiction.
Since they are not battling financial instability, isolation, or legal issues, they generally don’t fit into the stereotype of an alcoholic. Functional alcoholics may also be less likely to seek treatment because they don’t seem to hit rock bottom or struggle as average alcoholics do. They may be reluctant to go to rehab even when their family members and friends seem concerned about them because they don’t think their drinking problem warrants treatment.
If someone you care about is living with high-functioning alcoholism, it’s natural to feel unsure about how to approach the situation. Convincing them to seek treatment can feel daunting, but with the right approach—rooted in understanding and compassion—it’s possible to guide them toward getting the help they need.
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What Makes High-Functioning Alcohol Abuse Different from Other Forms of Alcohol Addiction?
Up to 20% of people with alcohol use disorder can be considered “high-functioning alcoholics.” These people won’t be slurring their words, acting erratic in public, or suffering the same consequences from their drinking as other alcoholics. While other people with alcoholism may get into trouble at work, school, or home, functioning alcoholics may continue excelling at everything they do despite continuing to drink excessively.
Because of their success, most high-functioning alcoholics may be in denial that their drinking has gotten out of hand. They may be completely in the dark about how serious their alcoholism has become. They may also justify their alcohol problems by chalking it up to stress or being too busy.
When trying to help other types of alcoholics, you can focus on the things they have lost or sacrificed due to their disease. You can bring up things like job loss, family or mental health issues, or relationship problems as motivators to get sober. However, a functioning alcoholic may still have all of these things, so they can easily say, “I’m not as bad as them,” or “I don’t really have a problem, see?”
The truth is that although they may be a high-functioning alcoholic today, they can only remain one for so long. Eventually, their addiction will catch up to them, often in the form of serious mental health disorders and physical problems. Even if your loved one seems healthy and functional now, addressing the problem sooner rather than later can prevent their alcoholism from progressing over time.
Signs Your Loved One May Be a High-Functioning Alcoholic
High-functioning alcoholics may not fit the stereotypical image of someone suffering from alcohol addiction. Their ability to maintain a seemingly normal life often masks the underlying issue. However, there are subtle signs that can indicate a problem. Here are some common symptoms of high-functioning alcoholism:
Regular Heavy Drinking
One of the clearest signs of substance abuse is the frequency and quantity of consumption. High-functioning alcoholics often drink more than the recommended limits for alcohol, but they may do so in settings where it’s socially acceptable, such as at parties or dinners. Over time, their tolerance increases, leading them to consume larger quantities without appearing intoxicated, which makes it harder for others to notice the problem.
Drinking Alone
Many high-functioning alcoholics will drink alone, often to relax or cope with stress after a long day. This habit may seem harmless at first but can escalate into a dependency on substance use or alcohol to manage emotions or stress. Drinking in isolation can also signal that the individual feels shame or guilt about their unhealthy habits.
Hiding Alcohol Use
A key sign of high-functioning alcoholism is secrecy around alcohol. Individuals may hide bottles around the house or deny drinking as much as they do. They might sneak in a few drinks or lie about how much they’ve had in an attempt to avoid judgment. This deceptive behavior indicates a growing concern about their alcohol consumption but also a reluctance to address it.
Becoming Defensive About Drinking
If someone becomes overly defensive or irritated when asked about their drinking, it could be a red flag. High-functioning alcoholics often feel threatened by any questions or concerns raised by loved ones. This defensiveness can stem from denial or fear of having to change their behavior. They may make excuses or claim they have control over their issues.
Using Alcohol to Cope with Stress
High-functioning alcoholics may reach for alcohol to deal with stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. They might justify their drinking as a way to unwind or manage a busy life, but this can lead to emotional dependence on alcohol. Over time, they may find it difficult to handle challenges or difficult situations without a drink.
Succeeding in Work or Personal Life Despite Heavy Drinking
One of the most misleading aspects of high-functioning alcoholism is the individual’s ability to succeed in their career, relationships, or personal life while still drinking excessively. They may continue to be high performers at work, maintain relationships, and handle daily responsibilities, leading them and others to downplay their alcohol use disorder and the severity of their addiction. However, this balance is often temporary, as alcohol eventually takes a toll on their health and well-being.
Recognizing these signs in a loved one can be the first step in helping them seek the treatment they need to stop drinking before it spirals into more severe consequences.
How to Convince High-Functioning Alcoholics to Seek Help
Getting help for a high-functioning functional alcoholic often requires a carefully thought-out approach that is full of love, respect, and compassion. First, you can try having a simple conversation, then escalate the steps you take accordingly.
1. Have a Conversation About Their Alcohol Intake
Approach your loved one when they are sober and clear-headed. Ensure you speak with them while they are alone and away from children to avoid embarrassment.
Begin by expressing your concerns and discussing how their alcoholism has negatively affected your life. Avoid lecturing them, name-calling, or blaming them for their disease. Continuously express your compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and sympathy.
If your loved one responds positively, that means they are experiencing some sort of guilt or emotional distress from their drinking, and they truly want help. This means you can begin helping them find treatment options or support groups.
However, if your loved one gets angry or aggressive, you may end the conversation lightly, back away, offer support, and let them know you are always there to talk if they want your help.
2. Encourage a Doctor’s Visit
Perhaps your loved one seems open to addressing their drinking patterns, but they aren’t entirely convinced that they have alcoholism. In this case, you can encourage them to schedule a routine doctor’s visit. You can even offer to drive or go with them for emotional support.
Encourage your loved one to discuss their drinking habits during the exam with the physician. Their doctor can run any necessary tests and discuss the potential impacts of continuing their alcohol or drug abuse. This kind of professional opinion may make a high-functioning alcoholic more receptive to the idea of getting treatment.
3. Stage a Formal Intervention
If all your other efforts have failed, but you are still concerned about your loved one, you may stage a formal intervention. The best way to do so is to seek professional help or to hire an addiction specialist or interventionist who can guide you through the process.
Alcohol addiction interventions typically involve the following steps:
- Planning the intervention
- Making treatment arrangements
- Holding the intervention
- Reading impact statements
- Escorting the addicted individual to treatment
Formal interventions can be very convincing because they allow a group of loved ones to confront a person together. This sort of team effort can be very impactful, opening your loved one’s eyes to the seriousness of their drinking problem.
Reach Out to Woburn Addiction Treatment Today
If a family member you care about is struggling with high-functioning alcoholism, help is available. High-functioning alcoholics may be good at hiding their addiction, but they still face serious health risks and emotional challenges. At Woburn Addiction Treatment, we understand the unique needs of those who are managing daily life while battling alcohol dependence.
Our compassionate and experienced team of drug abuse counselors is here to help your loved one take the first step toward recovery, offering personalized treatment programs and plans that focus on both physical and emotional healing. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen—contact our team today and let us guide you and your loved one on the path to lasting recovery.
