If you are a high functioning alcoholic, drinking can take over your life and become your number-one priority. It’s not always easy to tell if someone is struggling with substance abuse. While some people may show obvious signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech or stumbling, others can hold down jobs and maintain normal appearances.

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Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, getting help is just a phone call away, or consider trying therapy online with BetterHelp. Support groups can help those in recovery by providing them with a much-needed support system. Support group meetings are not just a vital part of the treatment process but are regularly used even after completing formal treatment.

Signs of a Functional Alcoholic

They may show up late to appointments, forget errands they were supposed to run, or have difficulty recalling events from the previous night, even if they weren’t blackout drunk. A functioning alcoholic may try to create natural excuses to drink, where it would appear normal. If you spot signs of alcoholism in a loved one, encourage them to seek help. You can research available resources in your area where they can connect with support. “They may be quite skilled at hiding their alcohol high functioning alcoholic use and not fit ‘alcoholic’ stereotypes,” said Travis Chenoweth, a social worker at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Treatment

They can assess your symptoms and offer next steps, whether this is treatment or other methods of support. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Drinkline offer free, confidential, over-the-phone advice and support for people who are concerned about their drinking. Join our expert psychiatrist, Priory’s Dr Renju Joseph, as he discusses the key signs and symptoms of alcoholism – informed by years of experience treating people with addiction issues. ‘High-functioning alcoholics’, or ‘functioning alcoholic’, are colloquial terms for someone who’s dependent on alcohol but is still able to function relatively effectively in their daily life. They’ll be able to continue doing many of their daily tasks like going to work and looking after family members. The professional lives of high-functioning alcoholics are often challenging and stressful.

Many resources are available, whether you want to help yourself or someone you care about. For some people, as mentioned, the first resource could be speaking to their primary care provider, who can help them understand the next steps. There are also peer support groups that include 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as other options marijuana addiction like the SMART Recovery program. If someone has a milder substance use disorder, participation in a group like this can be helpful. Functional tolerance contributes to addiction because you might be trying to feel what made you initially enjoy drinking, such as relaxation or euphoria. The more tolerant you are to the effects of alcohol, the more likely you are to have a faster progression to an alcohol use disorder.

Encourage ongoing support systems

The 12-step program used in AA encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions, make amends, and commit to a sober lifestyle. High-functioning alcoholism can place a significant strain on marriages and partnerships. The alcoholic’s denial of their problem often leads to frequent conflicts, as their partner may feel ignored, undervalued, or even betrayed by the secrecy surrounding the alcohol use. The frustration of dealing with a partner who refuses to seek help or even acknowledge their addiction can lead to resentment and, in many cases, separation or divorce.

Responsibilities on the Back Burner

If they are open and willing, they might enter into an inpatient rehab and begin a new chapter in life. If they are in denial, you will have to hold fast to your boundaries. But your value is not dictated by your loved one and their addiction.

Life After Drinking

• CBT helps patients peel back the metaphorical layers, allowing them to understand the factors that contributed to their alcohol use disorder.
• Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
• Recognizing the signs and understanding the impact on relationships is the first step toward addressing this complex issue.

They might be experts at hiding empty bottles or finding clever ways to mask the smell of alcohol on their breath. They might also avoid social situations where their drinking could be scrutinized or controlled. High-functioning alcoholics are masters of deception, which can make it highly challenging for friends and family to recognize the extent of their problem. Until you check into rehab, avoid bars, liquor stores, and other places where alcohol and drinking abound.

Research indicates that genetics can influence alcohol dependence, meaning those with a family history of alcoholism may be at a higher risk. However, environmental factors, stress, and social influences also play significant roles. Recognizing a family history of alcoholism can be essential in understanding personal risks and taking proactive steps toward treatment.

Drinking more than intended or planned can be a key sign of functioning alcoholism for a few reasons. It’s not just about lost jobs, broken relationships, or public struggles. Sometimes, it hides behind the polished exterior of a seemingly successful life.

This article examines how to identify a high-functioning alcoholic, discusses the risks they face, and outlines ways to help them pursue a healthier, alcohol-free life. One of the most serious signs of alcoholism is that you continue to drink despite the negative effects of alcohol. If you are losing friends, job opportunities, or relationships but you cannot stop drinking, this is a sign that you have a problem. If you’re continuing to drink despite negative effects on your physical and mental health, it’s time to get help. High-functioning alcoholism can carry an especially heavy burden because it is easy for someone with this type of alcohol use disorder to live in denial that there is a problem.