How to Spot a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Many images come to mind when you think of an alcoholic. However, people rarely think of someone with a drinking problem who are still able to generally carry out their daily tasks and responsibilities. An individual in this category is known as a high-functioning alcoholic (HFA).
Since these types of alcoholics are skilled at concealing their drinking problem, it can be difficult to identify them. However, there are signs that can help you spot a high-functioning alcoholic.
The Definition of a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Simply put, a high-functioning alcoholic is someone who is drinks alcohol to excess, but is able to perform the roles and tasks associated with their daily life. A HFA has relationships …show more content…
However, being aware of the warning signs that someone is a HFA can help someone you love get treatment for a drinking problem.
How to Identify a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Some of the signs that someone is a HFA overlap with those associated with other alcoholics. Not every high-functioning alcoholic will display all of these symptoms, although the longer they go without treatment, the more likely it is they will display more of these warning signs.
• Spending time with others who drink: A high-functioning alcoholic will spend time with people who enjoy drinking. Not only do they enjoy the same activity, but spending time with other drinkers makes it more difficult for the HFA to stand out as an alcoholic.
• Obsessing over and craving alcohol: The HFA spends a great deal of time thinking about when they can have their next drink, how that drink will taste, and how much they can drink without looking drunk. They can also never have just one drink. The craving for alcohol is too strong. Although they may never appear drunk, they still lack control over their alcohol …show more content…
However, they won’t stop drinking. They will just be more careful to maintain their image in the future.
• Unable to quit drinking: A high-functioning alcoholic may have tried to stop drinking tin the past without success. They still refuse to seek medical assistance or treatment though, because many HFAs believe that it is a sign of weakness.
• Secretive drinking: The HFA may hide the extent of their drinking from other people by sneaking drinks before going out or by drinking alone. They may also keep their drinking buddies separate from their family, friends, and work acquaintances.
• Drinking as a reward: A high-functioning alcoholic might say that they work hard so they should play hard. They claim that they deserve a drink as a reward. These words serve as a way for the HFA to justify their drinking to themselves and others.
• Blacking out and forgetting: If the HFA’s condition worsens, the person can experience blackouts and memory loss, as well as emotional, physical, and relational problems. It is at this point that the high-functioning alcoholic may consider seeking
Many images come to mind when you think of an alcoholic. However, people rarely think of someone with a drinking problem who are still able to generally carry out their daily tasks and responsibilities. An individual in this category is known as a high-functioning alcoholic (HFA).
Since these types of alcoholics are skilled at concealing their drinking problem, it can be difficult to identify them. However, there are signs that can help you spot a high-functioning alcoholic.
The Definition of a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Simply put, a high-functioning alcoholic is someone who is drinks alcohol to excess, but is able to perform the roles and tasks associated with their daily life. A HFA has relationships …show more content…
However, being aware of the warning signs that someone is a HFA can help someone you love get treatment for a drinking problem.
How to Identify a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Some of the signs that someone is a HFA overlap with those associated with other alcoholics. Not every high-functioning alcoholic will display all of these symptoms, although the longer they go without treatment, the more likely it is they will display more of these warning signs.
• Spending time with others who drink: A high-functioning alcoholic will spend time with people who enjoy drinking. Not only do they enjoy the same activity, but spending time with other drinkers makes it more difficult for the HFA to stand out as an alcoholic.
• Obsessing over and craving alcohol: The HFA spends a great deal of time thinking about when they can have their next drink, how that drink will taste, and how much they can drink without looking drunk. They can also never have just one drink. The craving for alcohol is too strong. Although they may never appear drunk, they still lack control over their alcohol …show more content…
However, they won’t stop drinking. They will just be more careful to maintain their image in the future.
• Unable to quit drinking: A high-functioning alcoholic may have tried to stop drinking tin the past without success. They still refuse to seek medical assistance or treatment though, because many HFAs believe that it is a sign of weakness.
• Secretive drinking: The HFA may hide the extent of their drinking from other people by sneaking drinks before going out or by drinking alone. They may also keep their drinking buddies separate from their family, friends, and work acquaintances.
• Drinking as a reward: A high-functioning alcoholic might say that they work hard so they should play hard. They claim that they deserve a drink as a reward. These words serve as a way for the HFA to justify their drinking to themselves and others.
• Blacking out and forgetting: If the HFA’s condition worsens, the person can experience blackouts and memory loss, as well as emotional, physical, and relational problems. It is at this point that the high-functioning alcoholic may consider seeking