The 17 signs that you’re a functioning alcoholic

AN alcoholic isn’t always glaringly obvious, and your own habits may even fit the definition.

A “functioning alcoholic”In a nutshell, a person with dangerous drinking behavior who is still able carry out daily tasks.

Some people who become dependent on alcohol do not show obvious signs such as losing their job or breaking up with someone they love.

Functional alcohlics will often deny having a problem with alcohol. They compare how stable they feel to an average alcoholic and rehab clinic. Delamere says.

The centre, which is based in Cheshire, is worried that one-fourth of Brits (22%) have increased their alcohol consumption over the past year.

Experts are particularly concerned about people who had problems with their drinking before the Covid pandemic.

Addiction treatment professional, Martin Preston, said: “A functioning alcoholic is a person who suffers from alcoholism but is still able to hold down a job, play a role within a family and to most people, appear to be coping.

“A functioning alcoholic is not always easy to spot. People who suffer from alcoholism can hide their condition very well.

“With few apparent negative consequences, a functioning alcoholic is unlikely to want to change whilst they feel they still have time.

“Alcohol addiction is at the chronic end of the spectrum of alcohol use disorders for which there is no cure.

“It can, however, be successfully treated and the sooner treatment is undertaken the better for the individual concerned and their loved ones.”

Mr Preston shared the signs and symptoms of an alcoholic during Alcohol Awareness Week (15-21 October).

Signs

These are the most common symptoms in those with functional alcoholic disorder.

1. Frequent intoxication and the smell of alcohol
2. Controlling alcohol consumption is difficult to maintain
3. Hide alcohol in unusual places like their garage, at work, in bushes, or in their car
4. Drinking in between work or appointments or just enough alcohol to maintain their alcohol levels if they are an alcohol dependent.
5. Regular binging after daily responsibilities are met
6. You can justify their drinking as a way to unwind after work, during a busy day with the children or as a reward.
7. They may become restless, anxious, restless, and irritable if they can’t drink.
8. Drinking alcohol in the morning before they go about their day or at odd times during the day is a way to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
9. Drink at all social events ‘preloading’Prior to attending a social gathering
10. Avoid alcohol-related activities and social events
11. The problem with alcohol has been a problem at home. They either drink excessively or go to bars or pubs after work hours.
12. Reacting defensively or flippant to being challenged about their drinking
13. The argument that they are not an alcoholic is to deny that they are.
14. In order to allow them to function, they may be combined with prescription pills and alcohol.
15. Intoxicated individuals may be erratic, impulsive, or angry.
16. Difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout
17. They may take a risk by driving to work or driving their children to school while still high from drinking the night before or after taking a morning drink.

What to do if you’re worried

If you have many of the above symptoms, it’s possible you have a drinking problem.

Delamere states that it is easy to diagnose alcoholism by asking the following questions.

1. How can you control the amount of alcohol that you consume?
2. Are you able and willing to quit drinking?

Answering ‘NO’Answering yes to either of these questions means that the person has an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). They have no control over it.

If you’re concerned about your drinking or someone else’s, a good first step is to see a GP, the NHS says.

They’ll be able to discuss the services and treatments available to you after assessing your drinking habits using screening tests.

The treatment usually includes counselling and medication that can help you slowly reduce your drinking and avoid withdrawal symptoms.

There are many charities and support groups available.

How to handle a loved one

Delamere advises that you first confront someone you care about if they are a functioning alcoholic.

If they are defensive, the clinic can offer some suggestions for helping them to accept help.

• You can talk to them when you don’t have any plans or they aren’t too drunk to understand what your words have to say.
• After a drinking incident, it can be very helpful to talk with a functioning alcoholic to discuss their alcoholism.
• Whatever their emotion response, keep calm and don’t argue with them. Instead, show concern and support by adopting an empathic approach.
• Tell them about how your drinking habits affect you and other family members. Give them examples of times when your drinking has been a problem for you or others. Also, let them know how you feel about their drinking.
• Let them know that alcoholism can be treated.

Tell the person:

• The signs and symptoms that indicate a functioning alcoholic
• Medically, alcoholism can be described as a progressive mental and physiological disease.
• An alcoholic does not have to be able to afford everything.
• that many negative consequences – such as loss of relationships, jobs, criminal prosecution, mental and physical deterioration – often come as alcoholism progresses
• They shouldn’t feel ashamed to be ill.
• The condition they are suffering from is likely more common than people think.
• Alcohol abuse disorders are very difficult to treat.

If the conversation is positive, the functioning alcoholic will admit they have a problem. They need to be treated quickly and without delay.

This is what it is called “as a window of opportunity”In addiction, it is very rare that the cravings last for long before the denial kicks in.