Local Rehab Leads Discussion Hiding Alcohol Use

Columbus, OH - SUN Behavioral Health Columbus recently published a blog post discussing high-functioning alcoholics. The term “functioning alcoholic” refers to people who seem like their life is in order, but alcohol has control over their lives. They have a job, home, and family. They live their life as if alcohol is not impacting their lives, but it still is. These people might have increased depression and anxiety. The development of physical conditions like liver disease is also possible. High-functioning alcoholics might display signs of alcoholism, such as drinking more than intended or losing interest in hobbies. Often, they do not see their behaviors have changed.

“You may think that the most common careers where functioning alcoholics can be found are like the movies: big-time CEOs who have a bourbon bar behind their desks. It’s actually more common in blue-collar workers, such as construction positions and miners. Also, for those working in the service industry, such as in restaurants and hotels, high-functioning alcoholism is common. These places usually have alcohol readily available. Finally, high-stress positions, such as first responders, have an association with high-functioning alcoholism,” the blog post states.

There are several side effects that someone who is living as a high-functioning alcoholic might experience. These are often long-term and might involve heart attacks, liver disease, and high blood pressure. Functioning alcoholics might participate in binge drinking, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal, so medical attention is needed for them immediately if someone is experiencing it. Blackouts are also common and are different from passing out. A blackout is when someone drinks too much alcohol that they have little to no memory of the time they were drinking.

People who are high-functioning alcoholics are more resistant to seeking treatment because they don’t often recognize alcohol impacting their lives. They might look around themselves and see that they have their life together, so alcohol must not be a problem for them. However, treatment can be beneficial for their health in the long term. People who are high-functioning alcoholics will often need their loved ones to help them see the signs that they need help. These signs might include drinking instead of attending their kid’s soccer game or spending time with friends. They might also have intense cravings or other withdrawal symptoms when they have gone without alcohol. Their loved ones might have noticed that they are withdrawing more than usual.

“One of the most common tell-tale signs of a functioning alcoholic is actually not physical. Denial of the problem is one of the top reasons that functioning alcoholics do not seek treatment. To them, it does not matter if they check off alcohol use disorder boxes, such as drinking alone or drinking when they do not want to. Their alcohol use disorder does not qualify as a problem until substantial situations happen, such as losing their job or their house,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs in their community. They provide an onsite pharmacy that handles medications for patients even after they have completed treatment. They also offer no-cost care assessments that allow future patients to meet with a representative before they start treatment. 24/7 crisis care is also available for moments when a crisis arises.

For more information about SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, visit their website or call them at 614-706-2786.