While alcohol dependence is a terrible disease that can ruin lives, some people who have a problem with it manage to hold down difficult jobs and massive responsibilities. Externally, these supposed high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They could drive nice cars, reside in excellent areas, and make a significant income.

Nevertheless, simply because they are high-functioning does not suggest that they're immune to the consequences of alcohol. They are still in danger of harming themselves and others around them. For example, a pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier managing large sums of money are each at-risk of triggering horrible tragedies if they continue on their dysfunctional path.

Here are some symptoms that could help in recognizing these ticking time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol instead of eating.

Alcoholics will often change healthy meals with a few alcoholic beverages, lose their appetite for meals completely, or use mealtime as a disguise to start drinking alcohol.
2. They can certainly awaken with no hangover, even after several alcoholic beverages.

Drinking alcohol consistently over a long period of time may cause the human body to become reliant or dependent on alcohol. Commonly high-functioning alcoholics can over-indulge without the brutal hangover that plagues the periodic drinker.

3. Not drinking makes them irritable, nervous, or otherwise uncomfortable.


If an alcoholic is compelled to avoid alcohol consumption, his/her body commonly responds adversely, as they are dependent on the sedative results of alcohol. Suddenly stopping could trigger anxiety, anxiousness, perspiring, a rapid heart rate, as well as seizures.

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

Alcoholics might transform significantly when they drink. For instance, a normally mild-mannered individual might end up being aggressive, or make spontaneous decisions.
5. They cannot have just two alcoholic beverages.

An alcoholic has a problem quiting, and might even "polish off" other people's' drinks. Booze will never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for "one more round.".

6. Periods of memory loss or "blacking out" are common
Many alcoholics will participate in events that they have no recollection of the following day. They may not appear very intoxicated at the time, however they're not able to remember incidents that took place.

7. Attempts to discuss drinking habits are met with anger and denial.

When confronted with problems surrounding their alcohol intake, problem drinkers will usually fall back to denial or anger, making discussion difficult.

8. They consistently have a great explanation for why they consume alcohol.

If flat denial or aggression is not the preferred means of avoidance, the majority of alcoholics will have a seemingly sensible reason for their actions. Anxiety at work, issues at home, or an abundance of social obligations are common reasons to explain their damaging conduct.

9. They conceal their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will consume alcohol alone, or sneak drinks from a container in a desk or in their vehicle. This type of covert drinking is a tremendous red flag and there is no other explanation for this behavior aside from alcoholism.

Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for bothersome actions in order to get these struggling coworkers, family, and friends the support they require.

While alcohol addiction is a destructive condition that can and does damage lives, some people who struggle with it manage to hold down demanding jobs and substantial duties. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics appear to have it all together. They can drive great vehicles, live in excellent neighborhoods, and make a substantial income.

Just since they're high-functioning does not imply that they're immune to the results of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with tremulous hands, or a money-lender handling large amounts of funds are each at-risk of triggering awful disasters if they stay on their unhealthy course.