According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 18 million American adults suffer from an alcohol use disorder. That number is only growing as more people turn to alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Functioning alcoholics can often hold down a job and maintain a normal life, but their drinking habits are still problematic.
Alcoholism is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for individuals struggling with the disorder and those around them. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the signs of a functioning alcoholic so that you can get the help that is needed as soon as possible.
This article will discuss ten signs of a functioning alcoholic.
1. You drink more than you intended to regularly.
There is a big difference between having a glass of wine with dinner and drinking an entire bottle. If you find that you are regularly drinking more than you intended to, it is a sign that you may have a problem with alcohol. If you feel the need to consume more alcohol to feel the effects, it is a sign that your body is becoming tolerant to the alcohol.
If your drinking problem becomes severe, you may consult a professional to get help. For instance, the Delphi behavioral health group is one of the best inpatient alcohol treatment centers that offer comprehensive care and support for those struggling with alcoholism. You can trust that you will receive the highest quality of care possible.
2. You make excuses to drink.
Do you find yourself making up excuses to drink? For example, do you tell yourself that you need a drink to relax after a long day? Do you drink because you are celebrating a minor accomplishment? If you find that you are making excuses to drink, it is a sign that you may have a problem with alcohol.
Also, suppose you find that you are drinking in situations where it is not appropriate, such as before work or during a family gathering. In that case, it is a sign that you need to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. However, if you need help to quit drinking, you can find many resources online.
3. You black out or forget what you did while drinking.
Do you ever drink so much that you can’t remember what you did the night before? Or, do you ever have a “blackout” where you can’t remember a period? If you find that you are regularly blacking out or forgetting what you did while you were drinking, it is a sign that you have a problem with alcohol.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a blackout as “a continuous period of alcohol-induced amnesia.” If you are experiencing blackouts, it is a sign that you are drinking too much alcohol and that your body is struggling to process it.
4. You drink to relieve stress or anxiety.
Do you find that you drink to relieve stress or anxiety? If so, it is a sign that you may have a problem with alcohol. This is because drinking alcohol is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. In other words, you are using alcohol to cope with your problems instead of dealing with them head-on.
And, if you find that you are regularly drinking to cope with your problems, it is a sign that you need to find a different way to deal with your stress and anxiety.
5. You have withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink.
Do you find that you have withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink? For example, do you experience anxiety, irritability, or tremors when you don’t drink? If so, it is a sign that you have a problem with alcohol.
Withdrawal symptoms are a sign that your body has become dependent on alcohol. And, if you find that you need to drink alcohol to feel normal, you might have to consider proper treatment. It is important to note that withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Therefore, if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek medical help.
6. You drink alone.
One of the hallmark signs of alcoholism is drinking alone. If you find that you are regularly drinking by yourself, it is a sign that you may have a problem with alcohol. In addition, if you find that you are hiding your drinking from others, it is a sign that you are ashamed of your drinking and that you know it is a problem.
Now, if you’re drinking alone because all of your friends are busy or if you’re drinking because you’re bored, that’s one thing. But, if you’re drinking because you’re trying to hide your drinking from others, that’s not okay, and you might need professional help.
7. You have trouble meeting your responsibilities.
Do you find that you regularly miss work or school because of your drinking? Or, have you ever gotten in trouble at work or school because of your drinking? Also, if you find that you are not fulfilling your responsibilities with your family because of the drinking, it is a sign that you have a problem with alcohol.
8. You continue to drink despite the consequences.
Do you find that you continue to drink even though it is causing problems in your life? For example, do you continue to drink even though it negatively impacts your work or school performance? If so, it is a sign that you have a problem with alcohol. If your drinking gets to the point it is causing issues in relationships and financial problems, it is time you start taking it seriously.
The Bottom Line: If you find that you are regularly drinking to cope with your problems, it is a sign that you have a problem with alcohol. In addition, if you have withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink or find that you are regularly neglecting your responsibilities because of your drinking, it is a sign that you have a problem. If you are concerned that you may have a problem with alcohol, many resources are available to help you. There are also many different treatment options available. Treatment options vary
