Is My Partner a Functioning Alcoholic?
What is Functional Alcoholism?
Functional alcoholism is a subtype of alcohol use disorder (AUD), in which individuals meet diagnostic criteria for AUD while still being able to maintain a job and relationships with others.1
Table of Contents
Learn More About Ripple Ranch Recovery Center
Functional Alcoholism - An Introduction
What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
- More than 4 drinks per day, or more than 14 drinks per week for men.
- More than 3 drinks per day, or more than 7 drinks per week for women.
What is Binge Drinking?
- For men, drinking more than 5 alcoholic beverages on one occasion is considered binge drinking.
- For women, drinking more than 4 alcoholic beverages on one occasion is considered binge drinking.3
Understanding Functional Alcoholism
How Can You Tell if Someone is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
- avoiding conversations surrounding alcohol use
- short-term memory loss, or losing time from blackouts
- hiding alcohol consumption by drinking alone or disposing of evidence
- mood changes and irritability
- drinking at inappropriate times or in potentially dangerous situations
Who is Most Likely to be a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
- high levels of stress
- peer pressure
- familial history of substance abuse
- low self-esteem
- mental health conditions
Why is High-Functioning Alcoholism a Problem?
One quarter of high-functioning alcoholics have experienced a major depressive episode. Alcohol use increases risk of depression and suicide. Approximately 20-35% of suicides are carried out by individuals with alcohol abuse disorder, and 5% of all individuals with alcohol use disorder die by suicide.5
What Causes a Person to Become a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
Genetics
Family History
Home Life
School or Work Environment
Social Relationships
Exposure to Peer Alcohol Consumption
Cultural or Religious Views
What are the Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic?
Drinking to Cope With Stress
Drinking During the Day
Frequently Drinking Alone
Heavy And Frequent Drinking
Denial Or Avoidance
What are the Consequences Of Functional Alcoholism?
Short-Term Effects
- Injuries and accidents, such as motor vehicle incidents or falls
- Violence due to mood changes
- Risky sexual behavior, increasing chances of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases
- For pregnant women, miscarriage or fetal abnormalities such as fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Hangover and short term memory loss
Long-Term Effects
- Heart disease, increased blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues
- Cancers of the mouth and throat, breast, liver, colon, and rectum
- Weakened immune system
- Mental health problems like depression and anxiety
- Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep issues
- Cognitive changes such as memory loss, confusion, and dementia
- Social effects on relationships, employment, and family
- Death
What are the Treatments For Alcoholism Today?
Alcohol Detoxification
- anxiety
- shaking
- nausea
- insomnia
- sweating
- seizures
- hallucinations
Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Changing your environment can be key in treating alcohol addiction. Often it is very difficult to get sober on your own, especially if you primarily drank at home. Spending time in a residential facility allows you to explore your relationship through the guidance of trained professionals.
Therapy
Aftercare and Secondary Care
Many individuals join support groups such as SMART recovery, or a twelve-step alcoholics anonymous program. Individuals who use alcohol as a way to cope with underlying mental health issues may benefit from working with a psychiatrist to find medications to manage their underlying issues.
Addiction Treatment Programs
Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization
Residential
Intensive Inpatient
Get Help for Alcoholism
Contact Ripple Ranch
Because alcohol detoxification and withdrawal can be dangerous, it is best to do it under a health professional’s supervision. Checking into a residential alcohol addiction treatment facility will give you the structure and tools you need to quit drinking alcohol for good.
Ripple Ranch offers many treatment options for alcohol use disorder. Whatever you decide, know that help is available and recovery is always possible. Start your journey to sobriety with us today.
Resources
- 1 https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-function-alcoholic
- 2 https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/researchers-identify-alcoholism-subtypes
- 3https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
- 4https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/high-functioning-alcoholic
- 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6425803/
- 6https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-alcohol-impaired-driving
- 7 https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-use-disorder/genetics-alcohol-use-disorder
- 8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4872611/
- 9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3919702/
- 10 https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
- 11 https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms-treatments#1
- 12https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/what-to-know/types-of-alcohol-treatment