Do you drink heavily every day or most days while continuing to keep up the appearance of being okay? Then you may be a functioning alcoholic. Read this blog to be sure whether you are.
If you need professional help quitting alcohol, contact Liberty Home at +27 021 300 3455.
What is a Functioning Alcoholic?
A functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to lead a normal life, fulfilling their obligations at work, home, and in social settings, while still being dependent on alcohol. Unlike the stereotypical image of an alcoholic who is visibly struggling and unable to manage daily tasks, you might excel in various aspects of your life. However, this does not negate the reality of your alcohol dependency.
The term “functioning alcoholic” is somewhat misleading because while you may function effectively on the surface, the underlying issues with alcohol are genuine and can have severe long-term consequences. You might rationalize your drinking habits by pointing to your successes and responsibilities, thinking, “I can’t be an alcoholic because I have a good job, take care of my family, and fulfil my responsibilities.” Yet, functioning alcoholics are just as susceptible to the dangers of alcohol dependency as those whose addiction is more apparent.
Recognizing the Signs of Being a Functioning Alcoholic
Identifying whether you are a functioning alcoholic can be challenging, especially when denial and rationalization come into play. Here are some signs that might indicate you are a functioning alcoholic:
1. Regularly Drinking Alone
If you find yourself frequently drinking alone, it could be a sign that your relationship with alcohol is unhealthy. You might drink to unwind after a long day or to escape stress and negative emotions. Over time, this solitary drinking can become a chronic coping mechanism.
2. Hiding Your Drinking
Do you often hide your drinking habits from friends, family, or colleagues? If you’re concealing the amount or frequency of your alcohol consumption, it’s a red flag that you’re aware, on some level, that your drinking is problematic. Secretive behaviour often indicates that you are drinking more than you want to admit.
3. Drinking to Cope
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues is a common trait among functioning alcoholics. You might rely on alcohol to relax or to face social situations. While it might provide temporary relief, this reliance can lead to a cycle of dependency.
4. Increased Tolerance
Over time, you may find that you need to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects. This increase in tolerance is a clear indication that your body is becoming dependent on alcohol. Drinking more to achieve the same level of intoxication can lead to even greater health risks and deepen your dependency.
5. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
If you experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, or irritability when you haven’t had a drink, it’s a sign of physical dependency. These symptoms can make it difficult to cut back or quit drinking on your own and indicate a deeper level of addiction.
6. Neglecting Responsibilities
Although you might manage to keep up with most of your responsibilities, you could notice that your performance is slipping. Perhaps you’re missing deadlines, showing up late, or finding it hard to concentrate at work. The effects of alcohol can slowly erode your efficiency and reliability.
7. Memory Lapses
Experiencing blackouts or memory lapses after drinking is a significant indicator of problematic drinking. You might not remember conversations, events, or actions that took place while you were under the influence, which can be alarming and dangerous.
8. Concern from Others
If friends, family members, or colleagues have expressed concern about your drinking habits, it’s worth taking their observations seriously. Sometimes, those around you can see the impact of your drinking more clearly than you can. Listening to their concerns can be the first step in recognizing the problem.
The Consequences of Functional Alcoholism
Even if you’re able to function day-to-day, the long-term consequences of alcohol dependence can be severe. These consequences can affect physical health, mental well-being, and personal and professional relationships.
Physical Health
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and an increased risk of cancer. Even if you don’t feel the immediate effects of being a functional alcoholic, the long-term damage can be significant. Regular heavy drinking can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
Mental Health
Alcohol dependency can exacerbate existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It can also lead to new problems, including mood swings, irritability, and a decrease in overall mental clarity. The temporary relief that alcohol provides often leads to a worsening of symptoms over time, creating a vicious cycle.
Relationships
Your relationships can suffer as a result of your drinking. You might become more isolated, have frequent conflicts with loved ones, or neglect important relationships due to your focus on alcohol. Trust can be eroded, and the people around you may feel neglected or worried about your well-being.
Professional Life
Although you might still be able to perform your job duties, your career can be affected by your drinking. You might miss opportunities for advancement, make poor decisions, or damage your professional reputation. Colleagues and supervisors may notice changes in your behaviour or performance, which can impact your job security and career progression.
Taking Steps Toward Change
If you recognize a connection between your drinking habits and the signs mentioned above and are concerned about your drinking habits, it’s time to take steps toward change. Acknowledging the problem is the first and most crucial step.
Self-Assessment
Reflect on your drinking habits honestly. Keeping a diary of your alcohol consumption, including the amount, frequency, and context, can provide valuable insights into your relationship with alcohol. This self-awareness is crucial for understanding the extent of your problem and identifying patterns that need to change.
Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who understand your goal to reduce or quit drinking. Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Open communication with your loved ones about your struggles and goals can foster understanding and support.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Find alternative ways to cope with stress and negative emotions. Exercise, meditation and hobbies can help you manage your emotions without relying on alcohol. Developing these healthy habits can improve your overall quality of life and reduce the temptation to drink.
Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable and realistic goals for reducing or stopping your alcohol consumption. This might involve cutting back gradually or setting specific limits on when and how much you drink. Celebrate your progress along the way, and be patient with yourself as you work towards your goals.
Seek Professional Help
If you have tried to quit or reduce drinking by yourself and have been unable to stop, it may be time to seek professional help. The most powerful approach to overcoming your alcohol problem is attending an alcohol addiction treatment centre.
At Liberty Home, you can get to the root cause of your drinking, so you can stop drinking for good. There is a better way to live away from all the facades that being a functioning alcoholic entails.
If you would like to know about our approach to treating functioning alcoholism, contact us today at +27 021 300 3455.
