While alcohol dependence is a devastating disease that can destroy lives, some people who battle with it manage to keep big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Even so, just because they are high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For instance, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a financier handling large sums of money are each at-risk of inducing horrible disasters if they continue on their dysfunctional path.

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

1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.

Alcoholics will regularly remove and replace meals with a couple of drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as an excuse to begin drinking .

2. They can get out of bed without having a hangover, even after numerous drinks.

Drinking alcohol regularly over a long period of time can cause the physical body to become addicted to alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholic s successfully drink a good deal without having the same hangover that tortures the random drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them grouchy, anxious, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid consuming alcohol, his or her body regularly reacts negatively, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can cause anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns transform dramatically while under the influence of alcohol.

When they drink, problem drinkers may alter noticeably. A generally mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impetuous decisions.

5. They can't have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has a problem stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Booze 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 alcoholics will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not seem extremely drunk at the moment, but they're not able to remember activities that took place.

7. Attempts to talk about drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.


When faced with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, alcohol abusers will generally regress to denial or aggression, making conversation hard.

8. They never fail to have a good explanation for why they drink.

Most alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their actions if flat denial or hostility is not the opted for method of evasion. Stress at work, troubles at home, or an abundance of social activities are common reasons to explain their destructive behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many problem drinkers will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their car. This kind of covert drinking is a tremendous red flag and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from alcoholism .

Let's keep our world productive, safe, and sober by always keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior in order to get these troubled colleagues, family members, and neighbors the assistance they need.

Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic

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

Just because they're high-functioning does not mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing considerable sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible disasters if they stay on their destructive course.