While alcoholism is a disastrous illness that can ruin lives, a number of people who struggle with it manage to keep big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning problem drinkers seem to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in good communities, and make a significant income.

Even so, simply because they are high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still at risk of hurting themselves and others around them. As an example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing large amounts of money are each at-risk of triggering horrendous disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional course.

Below are some warning signs that can help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol rather than eating food.

Alcoholics will commonly remove and replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food altogether, or use mealtime as an excuse to start consuming alcohol.

2. They can wake up without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.

Drinking alcohol routinely over a substantial period of time can trigger the body to become addicted to alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholic s successfully drink a great deal without having the same hangover that torments the not habitual drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them irritable, jittery, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her physical body often reacts negatively, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. Abrupt quitting can cause tension and anxiety, nervousness, perspiration, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of booze.

Alcoholics may alter noticeably when they drink. A typically mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make careless choices.

5. They can't have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has difficulties quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will never be left on the table, and there is always a pretext for one more round.

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.

Many alcoholic s will take part in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear significantly intoxicated at the moment, but they're not able to recall events that happened.

7. Efforts to talk about drinking behavior are met with aggression and denial.

When confronted with matters involving their drinking, heavy users will typically retreat to denial or aggression, making discussion hard.

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8. They typically have a good reason for why they drink.

Most alcoholics will have a relatively rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or aggression is not the chosen mode of avoidance. Stress and anxiety at work, troubles in the home, or an abundance of social functions are typical reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a desk or in their car. This kind of covert alcohol consumption is an enormous red flag and there is no other explanation for this behavior other than alcohol dependence.

Let's try to keep our community productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for dubious actions in order to get these struggling colleagues, family, and neighbors the help they need.

Indications of a High Functioning Alcoholic

From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholic s appear to have it all together. They can drive nice cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker handling substantial sums of money are each at-risk of causing terrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.