Can a Functioning Alcoholic Stop Drinking?
Table of Contents
The term “functioning alcoholic” describes someone who has alcohol use disorder but is able to hide it from others. This person continues to hold down a full-time job, function well in social situations, and care for a family. On the surface they appear to be successful and in control of their life. Generally, they have a high tolerance to the effects of alcohol and don’t show signs of intoxication.
If you are living or working with a high functioning alcoholic, you probably have learned to pretend right along with them. To keep the peace, neither of you acknowledge there is a problem. Instead, one party abuses alcohol and the other pretends to ignore it and wonders, “Can a functioning alcoholic stop drinking?”
Understanding the High Functioning Alcoholic
Most people have a stereotypical view of an alcoholic. They picture the alcoholic as inebriated, unemployed, and unable to function normally. While this may be an accurate portrayal of some alcoholics, there is a subset of 20% called functional alcoholics.
The more appropriate term for these individuals should be “currently functioning.” It is only a matter of time before they begin to display the classic signs of the disease. Until that happens, the high functioning alcoholic is able to hide their alcohol use disorder from colleagues, friends, and family.
Although the functional alcoholic maintains a façade of stability and control, the alcohol is harming their physical and mental health. Very often, an enabling spouse, coworker, or superior helps them maintain this appearance by covering for the drinking problem. This only postpones the consequences of alcoholism and allows the disease to worsen.
12 Common Signs and Traits of a Functioning Alcoholic
The high functioning alcoholic is good at hiding his or her drinking problem from others. With this in mind, how can you tell if someone you care about is struggling with alcoholism?
Consider these 12 common traits of a functioning alcoholic:
- Planning their life around drinking, such as choosing social events where alcoholic drinks are served
- Using alcohol to control stress or as a reward after working hard all day at the office
- Lying about how much alcohol they are consuming and hiding alcohol around the office or home
- Relying on the effects of alcohol to boost their confidence at work or social events
- Keeping enablers in their life to lie and cover for them, thus maintaining the false image of being in control
- Experiencing memory lapses or blackouts
- Possessing a naturally high tolerance for alcohol
- Being in denial about their alcohol problem, deflecting the subject with jokes or even becoming angry if confronted about their drinking habits
- Neglecting their diet by trading off healthy foods for alcohol
- Withdrawing socially so they can drink alone
- Forgetting important dates or events; becoming irresponsible and not fulfilling obligations
- Drinking alcohol in the morning to quell withdrawal symptoms
Will the Functioning Alcoholic Stop Drinking – or Remain in Denial?
One of the biggest challenges when trying to guide an alcoholic towards treatment is to pierce the wall of denial. Closet alcoholics are very earnest about maintaining their secret drinking problem and do not want to admit it to anyone. The problem is that by not addressing the alcohol use disorder and getting treatment, the condition will always worsen.
Can a functioning alcoholic stop drinking? As difficult a task as it is to confront the alcoholic and persuade them to get help, it is essential. This is why it is so important to be honest with the person about the problem. Falling into enabling behaviors will only keep them stuck in this debilitating disease. Keep reading for some helpful tips for convincing the alcoholic to get the help they need and deserve.
How to Approach a Functional Alcoholic
How you approach the alcoholic is very important. The way you speak, your tone, your demeanor – all, if not managed well, can sabotage your desire to help. You’ll want to engage him or her in a calm, thoughtful conversation that is focused on their health and wellbeing.
Consider these tips:
- Open up the conversation when the person is sober
- Do not bring up the drinking issue during a heated argument or while angry
- Avoid using hurtful language such as name-calling or accusatory statements
- Prepare your thoughts in advance and even practice them using a calm voice. This will help you start the discussion off on the right foot
- Express you concerns for them with compassion and understanding
- Resist judging them. Instead, tell them you know they are doing the best they can but that they need some support
- If they are not receptive when you bring it up, think about having an addiction specialist for a formal intervention
Even if the person is still in denial about their drinking problem, you have still planted some seeds. At some point in the future, these may bear fruit if your loved one finally agrees to seek treatment.
Treatment Options for the Functioning Alcoholic
In most cases, someone who has been able to hide their drinking for a long time is already in a later phase of alcoholism. For this reason, the best treatment setting is a residential addiction treatment center where the person can receive the highest level of care.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder includes:
- Medical Detox. A medically monitored detox is the safest way to quit drinking. The withdrawal symptoms are carefully managed throughout the detox process.
- Individual Therapy. Through psychotherapy sessions, the client examines any unhealthy behavior patterns that support the alcohol addiction, and then reshape those behaviors.
- Group Therapy. Group therapy provides a chance for peers in recovery to share with each other about their own personal experiences and challenges.
- Family Therapy. Family groups help the whole family unit heal and move forward together as their loved one enters recovery.
- Medication. Medication-assisted treatment is helpful for some clients to further stabilize in alcohol recovery.
- 12-Step Facilitation. You will explore recovery support programs, like A.A. and SMART Recovery, to find the best fit.
- Psychosocial. Teaches recovery skills to access as needed, including relapse prevention planning, stress management, and improved communication skills.
- Holistic. Holistic activities help enhance relaxation as well as the spiritual aspects of the recovery process.
Annandale Behavioral Health Provides Residential Addiction Treatment for Functioning Alcoholics
Annandale Behavioral Health is a trusted provider of luxury addiction treatment for individuals seeking support for alcoholic use disorder. Can a functioning alcoholic stop drinking? Absolutely. Reach out to us today to learn how at (855) 778-8668.
