The Invisible Addiction: How High-Functioning Alcoholism Goes Unnoticed

They show up to work. They meet deadlines. Their lives look like they are “together,” so how could there be a problem?

High-functioning alcoholism is often called an invisible addiction because it is hiding in plain sight and doesn’t look like a crisis. 

In this article, we will discuss the most common characteristics, key signs to watch for, and real risks that can develop over time with high-functioning alcoholism. Recognizing these signs and knowing the risks can be the first step toward real change and support.

Table of Contents

• What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
• Does a High-Functioning Alcoholic Drink Every Day?
• 7 Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic
• Risk Factors for Becoming a Functional Alcoholic
• How To Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic
• Seek Help for High-Functioning Alcoholism at Dove Recovery

A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who has an alcohol use disorder or AUD, but manages to maintain a successful and stable life. These high-functioning qualities can be present in their careers, family life, and social obligations. 

Those who are high-functioning can struggle with alcoholism in private, but their high tolerance allows them to have a normal lifestyle. Oftentimes, they can have what is called functional tolerance, which is a phenomenon where someone can drink large amounts of alcohol, but not appear to be intoxicated. This can make it difficult to detect if someone has alcoholism or is intoxicated in inappropriate settings. 

Common Characteristics of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Characteristics of someone who is a functioning alcoholic include:

• Drinks to manage stress
• High consumption and high tolerance
• Secretive drinking
• Maintains responsibilities
• Rationalizes drinking
• Rigid in routines around drinking
• Functional success
• Denial and defensiveness

If you or a female loved one is struggling with high-functioning alcoholism, Dove Recovery is here to help you take the steps you need to have a healthy life without alcohol. Contact our admissions team today to get started.

Typically, yes, and often consumes multiple drinks per day. However, if they do not commonly drink every day, they often drink to excess, even though they may be good at hiding it. 

Over time, tolerance can increase, leading to greater consumption and dependence. This pattern can impact one’s health, relationships, and mental well-being, even if they act completely normal on the outside.

Warning signs of someone who is a high-functioning alcoholic can be behavioral, psychological, and or physical. Let’s take a look at some of these signs and symptoms. 

#1: Drinking To Cope

Oftentimes, high-functioning alcoholics use alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, grief, and other uncomfortable emotions. They often turn to alcohol to obtain feelings of temporary grief instead of finding support in healthier ways.

This can be a difficult cycle to break due to its dependence and may cause additional emotional distress due to its side effects. 

#2: High Tolerance to Alcohol

Having a high tolerance to alcohol is common in high-functioning alcoholics. This means they can consume large amounts of alcohol without appearing intoxicated, and can be dangerous for their health due to people consuming larger amounts of alcohol. The high tolerance can also be dangerous because it can hide the true nature of someone’s alcohol dependence. 

#3: Personality Changes

High-functioning alcoholics typically consume large amounts of alcohol. This can cause significant personality changes, including being:

• More outgoing
• Socialabe
• Aggressive
• Emotional
• Depressed
• And more

#4: Memory Loss

High-functioning alcoholics may experience memory loss or lapses in memory. This can either be fragmentary blockouts where only parts or details of events are missing, or “en bloc” full blackouts where entire events are forgotten. Blackouts can be a sign of heavy drinking and can lead to dangerous situations and harmful consequences. 

#5: Self-Isolation

While high-functioning alcoholics tend to be able to continue responsibilities or manage family and or social life, their drinking can also cause the need for social withdrawal. When alone, drinking can exacerbate feelings of depression or loneliness. Additionally, people can use alcohol as a coping mechanism instead of relying on the community or the help of others. 

#6: Neglecting Responsibilities

While many high-functioning alcoholics can maintain careers and regular daily activities, others can struggle to fulfill responsibilities in their day-to-day life due to their alcohol dependency. Frequent drinking can lead to neglect of personal, professional, and social obligations. This can be reflected in poor work performance or failure to attend family commitments. 

Additionally, because of increased drinking, healthy self-care activities, such as prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise, may make it harder to maintain their normal responsibilities.

#7: Decline in Performance

Consuming alcohol can significantly impact performance in people’s academic and personal lives. Although high-functioning alcoholics can try to appear successful, the constant consumption of alcohol can lead to decreased motivation and poor performance. Some examples include accidents, loss of productivity in the workplace, or lowered academic achievement in school settings. Over time, these effects can hurt one’s professional future. Recognizing them early can help ensure they get back on track and have a successful professional life. 

If you or a female loved one is struggling with high-functioning alcoholism and you notice a decline in academic or professional performance, Dove Recovery is here to help. You can talk to one of our professional admissions counselors to see which program would be the best fit. Contact us today to get started.

As many as 20% of all people who suffer from alcohol use disorder are high-functioning. There are many risk factors for becoming a high-functioning alcoholic, including:

• High-stress careers 
• Mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, trauma, or bipolar disorder, can often lead to self-medicating with alcohol. 
• Genetics: someone in your family with an alcohol addiction can put you at a higher risk.
• Consistently drinking more than the recommended intake.
• Heavy drinking at an early age.

If you have a family member or a loved one who is struggling with high-functioning alcoholism, there are a few important ways to support them, such as:

• Knowing the signs of being a high-functioning alcoholic
• Choosing the right time to confront them with empathy 
• Not attacking or cornering them
• Offering specific options for professional support, such as counseling programs
• Offering encouragement to help them take action

It is important that you also set boundaries for yourself and realistic expectations for recovery. Treatment and progress take time, so being patient and supportive are key to success. 

Having a supportive team can be educational and beneficial to helping your loved one progress through their recovery. Dove Recovery is here to help your loved one take the next step in their recovery that works for their life. Contact our team today to get any of your questions answered and get a better idea of treatment options.

Being a high-functioning alcoholic can be difficult to navigate. If you are looking for a rehabilitation facility that is encouraging, empathetic, and supportive, Dove Recovery is here for you. We offer a variety of alcohol treatment programs, including flexible options such as: 

• Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization (PHP)
• Outpatient programs (OP)
• Detox programs
• Alcohol rehab program
• Individual counseling sessions
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• 12-step recovery program

Contact our team today to see how we can help you or your female loved ones begin the path toward a healthier and happier future. 

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