Functional alcoholics are individuals who are able to maintain their jobs and carry out other activities on a daily basis. They are able to keep close relationships, and their addiction typically goes unnoticed by those around them. In some regards, functional alcoholics are more at danger than full-blown alcoholics. They are more likely to deny or not identify their own addiction, because they feel that it is a part of their social behavior and well under control.
Functional alcoholics are difficult to spot because they are able to hide their alcoholism and, in most cases, don’t think they have an addiction. They are able to keep their jobs, social life and spiritual life. There are some signs that may help identify a functional alcoholic. Some of these signs include the following:
Functional alcoholics are great at hiding their addiction. They typically deny their addiction or truly don’t believe they have an addiction, because they feel as if they have alcohol use under control. Functional alcoholics have typically never been in any serious trouble due to alcohol consumption.
Functional alcoholics may be more at risk than full-blown alcoholics. Non-functional alcoholics are more than likely to stay at home and drink. They are only likely to harm themselves and are more likely to go into rehab. Functional alcoholics will have some degree of control over their alcoholism. They can go to work and other social settings without needing to drink. This type of alcoholism has its own risks including the following:
The biggest danger to a functional alcoholic is that they don’t realize they have an addiction. They will continue abusing alcohol for years until they hit rock bottom. They won’t lose their job overnight or lose their family in one day. This is a slow process that can ruin someone’s life.
If you think you might be struggling with alcohol abuse but aren’t certain, you may want to call our toll-free helpline. Counselors are standing by 24 hours a day to talk. Each call is completely confidential. Counselors can help you determine whether or not you have a problem. Remember, it is your decision to end alcohol use, no one is going to force you. Call us today. We are here to help.