Am I a Functional Alcoholic?
A functional alcoholic is someone who is physically addicted to alcohol but still manages to lead a somewhat normal life. Functional alcoholics will work, pay their bills and complete personal and professional obligations. Friends and relatives may not notice any problematic behavior. Employers may be satisfied with the person’s work. Even if the functional alcoholic is aware that his or her drinking may be excessive, he or she will still believe that alcohol consumption is under control.
Alcoholism Is Unhealthy
Even if your drinking has not caused any obvious problems like an arrest for driving under the influence or loss of a job, chronic alcohol consumption causes health problems. Cirrhosis of the liver is common among alcoholics, and alcohol consumption is linked to certain types of cancer. You are also at risk for causing motor vehicle or in-home accidents. No one is immune from the consequences of long-term alcohol abuse.
Signs of Alcoholism
Common signs of alcoholism include the following:
- Drinking every day
- Starting the day with a drink
- Drinking continually throughout the day
- Trying unsuccessfully to stop drinking
- Trying to cut back alcohol intake but finding it difficult to do
- Having trouble stopping after one or two drinks
- Friends or family members express concern about your drinking
- A doctor has expressed concern about your drinking
- Medical problems caused by drinking
- Experiencing blackouts or periods of memory loss
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability or delirium tremens if you stop drinking
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped is a sure sign of addiction to any drug, and should be seen as a red flag that you do indeed have a problem.
Ending Functional Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a serious life threatening disease that requires professional treatment. Just because you can hold down a job and have never been arrested for DUI does not mean that your addiction is not damaging your health. Even if your drinking seems manageable now, it will only lead to greater drinking and related issues in the future.
Professional treatment for alcoholism offers your best chance at a healthy and happy life. A good treatment program will include medically supervised detox services to make you as comfortable as possible during this process. It will also include counseling to address root causes of addiction as well as behavioral issues associated with alcoholism and any co-occurring mental health issues, and long term therapy to teach methods for achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Need Help with Drinking?
If you are concerned about your drinking, call our toll-free helpline. We can help you identify functional alcoholism or find services to address alcohol abuse problems. If you are interested in getting sober, we can help. We are here 24 hours a day, so please call now.
