While alcoholism is a dreadful disease that can destroy lives, a few individuals who have a problem with it manage to hold down big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They could drive great cars, live in great communities, and earn a lot of money.

Just because they're high-functioning doesn't suggest that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They are still at risk of harming themselves and those near them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a doctor performing surgery with trembling hands, or a money-lender managing big amounts of cash are each in danger of causing horrible tragedies if they stay on their dysfunctional course.

Here are some symptoms that could guide you in detecting these powder kegs:

1. They drink rather than consuming food.

Alcoholics will often change meals with a couple of alcoholic beverages, lose their appetite for meals completely, or make use of mealtime as an excuse to start drinking alcohol.
2. They can awaken without a hangover, even after a number of drinks.

Consuming alcohol consistently over an extended period of time can easily cause the body to become reliant or dependent on alcohol. Commonly abuse -functioning alcoholics are able to drink excessively without the brutal hangover that plagues the irregular drinker.

3. Abstinence makes them grouchy, anxious, or ill at ease.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid drinking, his or her body oftentimes reacts negatively, as they depend on the sedative effects of alcohol. Suddenly stopping can trigger stress and anxiety, nervousness, perspiring, an elevated heartbeat, as well as seizures.

the disease of alcoholism



4. Their patterns of conduct transform considerably while under the influence of booze.

When they drink, alcoholics might transform substantially. For example, a typically mild-mannered person may become aggressive, or make spontaneous choices.
5. They can't have just two drinks.

An alcoholic has a difficult time quiting, and may even finish others' drinks. Liquor will never ever be left on the table, and there is always a reason for "one more round.".

6. Periods of amnesia or "blacking out" are commonplace
Many alcoholics will participate in events that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not seem extremely inebriated at the time, but they're not able to recall things that happened.

7. Attempts to discuss drinking conduct are met with hostility and denial.

When faced with concerns involving their alcohol intake, problem drinkers will typically regress to denial or hostility, making discussion problematic.

8. They always have a good explanation for the reason they consume alcohol.

If flat denial or hostility is not the preferred means of evasion, the majority of alcoholics will have a seemingly rational reason for their behavior. Tension on the job, problems at home, or a wealth of social activities are common reasons to account for their detrimental conduct.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Lots of alcoholics will consume alcohol alone, or sneak alcoholic beverages from a bottle in a desk or in their automobile. This type of covert drinking is an incredible warning sign and there is no other reason for this conduct besides alcohol addiction .

Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by by being observant for problematic behavior in order to get these distressed coworkers, family, and friends the support they need.


While alcohol addiction is a terrible disease that can and does destroy lives, some people who struggle with it are able to hold down difficult jobs and big duties. From the outdoors, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They could drive good cars, live in terrific neighborhoods, and make a considerable earnings.

Simply because they're high-functioning does not suggest that they're immune to the consequences of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with unsteady hands, or a banker managing large sums of funds are each at-risk of triggering awful catastrophes if they remain on their dysfunctional course.