The common assumption when it comes to alcoholism is that a person who is drinking is struggling with life, and can sometimes even fail to make ends meet. However, there is a small portion of alcoholics who are succeeding in life. They are called high functioning alcoholics, and nearly 20% of alcoholics are high functioning alcoholics. Despite their success, they still require assistance to overcome alcohol addiction.
What Makes High Functioning Alcoholism Dangerous
The primary reason why high functioning alcoholism is dangerous is the fact that it can be difficult to spot the signs. Sometimes it can even be too late for bystanders like friends and family to notice a high functioning alcoholic’s drinking problem until a more visible problem occurs. For example a DUI charge, a life threatening accident, or public altercation caused by alcohol intoxication. This problem is compounded by the success they are experiencing despite their drinking problem.
Rather than being concerned about an individual’s drinking problem, family and friends ignore it as the individual is "succeeding" in life. However, it should be noted that regardless of the success of an individual, alcohol use disorder can still cause a myriad of problems.
Identifying Cases of High Functioning Alcoholism
As we’ve mentioned, it can be difficult to identify a high functioning alcoholic despite their success. However, there are subtle signs that you can use to identify a high functioning alcoholic. From weekly excessive purchases of alcohol to general forgetfulness regarding one’s drinking habits. However one of the most visible, common and concerning signs of a high functioning alcoholic is an over reliance on alcohol to relax.
Over Reliance on Alcohol For Relaxation
Alcohol is considered both a relaxant and depressant depending on the amount consumed. When consumed moderately it becomes a relaxant that can help a person relieve stress. However, repeatedly using alcohol as a means to relax can cause a psychological dependence on alcohol for it’s relaxing effect.
Not only does it cause a psychological reliance on alcohol, but it also physically alters the brain. These physical and psychological alterations cause alcohol dependency and can cause a person to be irritable and unstable as they take in more alcohol.
The Best Option for High Functioning Alcoholics
Alcoholism is a concern that many share during this day and age as it has been perpetuated as a means to unwind from a stressful day. However, the problems caused by it can be an issue for those relying on it regardless of how successful they are in life. This is why understanding that you have a problem is the first step to overcoming it. The second step is to seek the best professional rehabilitation available.
Soberman’s Estate has created the ideal combination of medical, clinical, and holistic modalities, including board certified psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists, counselors, on-site labyrinth walks, equine therapy, fitness training, yoga, acupuncture, nutrition counseling and Chef prepared meals. Treatment at Soberman’s Estate is discrete and private with 5 beds on 5 acres of pristine Sonoran desert where recovery is adjusted to the needs of the patient.
If you or someone you know is considering treatment for addiction, call us at 480-595-2222 for a professional consultation.
