Would you be able to recognize an alcohol use disorder in yourself or a loved one? Many people assume that they would know what to look for, but this condition does not affect everyone in the same way. In fact, some people can go about their lives without their alcohol use having a noticeable impact. These individuals are often referred to as “high-functioning alcoholics.”
A “high-functioning alcoholic” is someone who is experiencing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) but is still able to function relatively normally. Just because a person is still maintaining their responsibilities does not mean that AUD isn’t affecting them. Nearly 60% of excessive alcohol use deaths in Arizona are from chronic causes, such as AUD.
Wolf Creek Recovery has a highly trained team of professionals that treat alcohol use disorders. We teach our clients how to love themselves and how to respond to life’s challenges in healthier ways. With various therapeutic interventions, a staff that is in recovery, and access to fun activities like pickleball, it’s possible to not just overcome AUD, but enjoy the process.
Let’s learn more about what it means to have AUD, the difference between AUD and “high-functioning alcoholism,” and your options for treatment.
Understanding “High-Functioning Alcoholism”
When someone is referred to as a “high-functioning alcoholic,” it means they can carry out daily tasks of living such as working, paying bills, and participating in other activities. They don’t exhibit the full range of signs and symptoms associated with AUD. However, this does not mean that their alcohol use isn’t a cause for concern. AUD is a medical condition that can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms can show up differently in different people. Left untreated, AUD can progress and cause significant problems in someone’s life.
What Is the Difference Between “High-Functioning Alcoholism” and AUD?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by uncontrolled drinking despite negative consequences. According to the DSM-5, this condition can be mild, moderate, or severe. Its severity is determined by the number of criteria you meet. Mild AUDs meet 2-3 criteria, moderate AUDs meet 4-5 criteria, and severe AUDs meet 6+ criteria. Therefore, the more severe the disorder, the more symptoms you will have.
“High-functioning alcoholism” is a term used to describe regular drinking while appearing physically and mentally healthy. However, this is not an official medical term or diagnosis. Instead, we use the term AUD – an umbrella term that encompasses all alcohol-related issues – because it is less stigmatizing. Often, people who drink regularly without it being detected are actually experiencing a mild form of AUD.
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
Even though someone may not be showing outward signs of AUD, they can still be dealing with the effects of alcohol use and benefit from alcohol rehab. Here are some signs to pay attention to:
High Volume of Consumption
You might assume that you have a “high tolerance” to alcohol, but what you may be experiencing is physical tolerance, which is when the body acclimates to having alcohol in its system. This typically develops after habitually using alcohol. However, just because you aren’t feeling the effects of alcohol doesn’t mean they aren’t happening. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is still rising, causing potential damage to your mental and physical health.
Drinking as a Reward
Another sign of a potential AUD is drinking as a reward, such as after a long day of work or taking care of the kids. When the body is in a state of ongoing stress, it’s particularly vulnerable to anything that delivers a dopamine boost. Dopamine is released from goal-directed behaviors, such as shopping, using social media, or drinking alcohol. Alcohol can be especially appealing because it also creates a feeling of relaxation by temporarily blocking glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.
Drinking to Cope
It’s not uncommon for people to turn to alcohol to cope with things that are difficult for them. You may use alcohol to lift your mood, unwind after work, or loosen up around others. However, some coping mechanisms have more negative consequences than positive ones, and alcohol is one of them. The temporary benefits that alcohol provides can take a negative toll on your health and relationships, as well as increase the risk of an AUD.
Canceling or Rescheduling Often
When alcohol becomes a regular part of your life, you’re more likely to cancel your plans or reschedule frequently. Why? Because alcohol use takes up a lot of time and begins to dominate your days. You may cancel plans that don’t involve alcohol or reschedule them because you are recovering from a hangover.
Causes and Risk Factors for Alcohol Use Disorder
Researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes AUD. They believe that a variety of factors are at play. When you consume enough alcohol, changes occur in the brain that make you want to drink more, despite the consequences. Eventually, the pleasurable effects of alcohol subside and you drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms. AUD typically develops over time and appears to run in families.
The risk factors that can contribute to AUD are:
- Drinking most days of the week
- Drinking at an early age
- Binge drinking at least once a week
- Family history of alcohol use
- Low self-esteem
- High levels of stress
Negative Consequences of Regular Alcohol Use
Consuming alcohol on a regular basis has numerous mental and physical health effects, even if you are not outwardly showing signs of AUD. The main consequences include:
- Dependence and AUD. People with a dependence on alcohol have to keep consuming the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Frequent or daily alcohol use increases the risk of developing AUD.
- Mental health conditions. Research shows that people who drink alcohol are more likely to develop mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
- Cognitive changes. Drinking too much can cause changes to occur in the brain, affecting your concentration, memory, mood, and judgment.
- Heart problems. Heavy drinking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Liver. Alcohol is toxic to the liver. Therefore, excessive alcohol consumption can raise the risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.
- Stomach. Digestive problems are also a common consequence of alcohol use. Alcohol increases the production of bile, decreases gut absorption, and contributes to inflammation.
“High-Functioning Alcoholism” and Denial
People with AUD typically have a hard time admitting the truth about their drinking. Denial can be especially prevalent in cases where the person isn’t showing signs of AUD. Since they are able to fulfill obligations and maintain responsibilities, they have an easier time denying their condition – and loved ones have an easier time believing them.
Addressing denial often requires a careful and sensitive approach. You may not be aware of all the ways that alcohol is impacting your life, but those around you have noticed. It’s also possible that you could be scared to admit a potential AUD because you don’t want to give up alcohol. For many, alcohol becomes a reliable coping tool for dealing with stress, anxiety, and trauma.
Treatment for AUD in Prescott, AZ
AUD is a treatable condition, and it should be treated, no matter what it looks like. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what may work for one person may not work for another. Treatment may include individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or an inpatient program. The goal of treatment is to stop alcohol use and improve quality of life.
Typically, the first stage in the treatment process is detox and withdrawal. Since the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, medical detox is recommended. After completing detox, you’ll want to consider a residential or outpatient program that teaches new skills. Oral medications can also be beneficial for managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Mutual support groups, such as AA and other 12-step programs, can also provide ongoing peer support as you adjust to life.
Wolf Creek Recovery treats alcohol use disorders in sunny Prescott, AZ. We meet clients where they are, providing support and guidance at any stage of AUD. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your exact needs and include a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic practices, including outdoor therapy. We want you to build a life you love! Learn more today by calling Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202.
FAQs
What is a high-functioning alcoholic?
A “high-functioning alcoholic” is someone who appears to be okay on the outside but is experiencing AUD. They may also go to great lengths to conceal their alcohol consumption.
Is high-functioning alcoholism the same as AUD?
“High-functioning alcoholism” is AUD, but not all AUDs manifest as high-functioning alcoholism. AUD is a medical condition that makes it difficult to control drinking, despite negative consequences. It can range from mild to severe. High-functioning alcoholism is a term used to describe someone who appears to have it all together but is experiencing AUD.
Why is denial common in people with AUD?
People who misuse alcohol often have a hard time dealing with their emotions. They use alcohol as an escape, and they are afraid to admit their problem because they don’t know how to cope otherwise.
