The term “functional alcoholic” is one that some consider being a creature as mythological as the Loch Ness monster. This is not the case. The term functional alcoholic is used for a number of reasons. Some alcoholics call themselves that to indicate that alcoholism isn’t ruining their life, they are still functioning. Experts use this term as well with similar indicators. Even so, a functional alcoholic is still an alcoholic.
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 8 Americans has alcoholism, and approximately 20 percent of those alcoholics is a functioning alcoholic. Experts at centers such as https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/ know that alcoholism is alcoholism. It doesn’t matter how well-educated or functional you are, you still need treatment if you are one. Learn more about the signs of a functioning alcoholic here.
Defining a Functional Alcoholic
A functional alcoholic is someone that many think have their drinking under control. To others, they may look like they drink responsibly. They might drink responsibly as well, at least on the surface. They may be the one that gets the taxi 100 percent of the time after a party or dinner, but they may also be making jokes that sound like “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” a little too much.
A functional alcoholic is someone that has a job, a home, and appears to have steady relationships with their friends and family. They may have an active social life and even be active in the community. A functional alcoholic is also often described as well-educated, but this is not always the case. If they look like they have a stable life in every way, and they are heavy drinkers, they might be functional alcoholics.
They are still alcoholics. They still need treatment. This is a problem that could kill or lead to a disastrous crisis.
Signs You Know a Functioning Alcoholic
If you are concerned that you know a functional alcoholic, you want to look more at their life behavior than their social behavior. You already know that they drink and that they drink a lot. What is actually happening behind their functional closed doors?
These are some signs:
- Your relationship is strained with them, suddenly or over time. There could be a legal problem, financial crisis, or home problem.
- They aren’t as motivated or ambitious about their life or dreams as they once were.
- They make jokes about drinking at work or at inappropriate places.
- They get defensive when you mention drinking, and don’t care that you care about them on this one topic.
- They reach a point where they lose impulse control when they drink.
- You may know of a crisis like a DUI or unemployment.
When you think someone has an alcohol problem, it doesn’t matter if they are educated or not. Help them get help, as this problem could become fatal.
Seek Support
A functional alcoholic is someone that is put together in life, and is doing everything they can to keep it that way. They are still struggling. If you know someone with this problem, love them and help them to get help. Call a center like https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/ to stop this cycle today.
