While alcohol dependence is a disastrous condition that can destroy lives, a few people who battle with it manage to hold down big responsibilities and stressful jobs. From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive great cars, live in great communities, and make a significant income.

But unfortunately, just because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the effects of alcohol. They're still at risk of hurting themselves and others around them. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a banker managing large sums of money are each at-risk of causing horrible disasters if they stay on their dysfunctional course.

Below are a number of signs that can help in identifying these time bombs:

1. They consume alcohol instead of eating food.

Problem drinkers will often replace meals with a few drinks, lose interest in food completely, or use mealtime as justification to start drinking.

2. They can get out of bed without a hangover, even after several drinks.

Consuming alcohol routinely over a long period of time can cause the body to become addicted to alcohol. Regularly high-functioning alcoholics manage to drink a good deal without the same hangover that tortures the not habitual drinker.

3. Abstaining makes them grouchy, nervous, or uncomfortable.

If an alcoholic is required to avoid drinking , his or her physical body commonly responds adversely, as they depend on the tranquillizing effects of alcohol. Sudden quitting can cause anxiety, uneasiness, sweating, a quickened heart rate, and even seizures.

4. Their behavior patterns transform noticeably while under the influence of booze.

Alcoholics may alter dramatically when they drink. For instance, a generally mild-mannered individual may become aggressive, or make impetuous choices.



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5. They cannot have just two drinks.


A problem drinker has trouble stopping, and may even finish others' drinks. Alcohol will certainly never be left on the table, and there is always an excuse for one more round.

6. Time spans of amnesia or "blacking out" are typical.

Many problem drinkers will participate in activities that they have no recollection of the next day. They may not appear significantly drunk at the time, but they're unable to recall activities that occurred.

7. Efforts to discuss drinking habits are met with hostility and denial.

When faced with problems surrounding their alcohol consumption, heavy users will typically retreat to denial or aggression, making conversation difficult.

8. They typically have a good explanation for why they drink.

If addiction or aggression is not the opted for method of avoidance, most alcoholics will have a somewhat rational explanation for their actions. Stress and anxiety at the workplace, troubles at home, or an abundance of social functions are prevalent reasons to explain their damaging behavior.

9. They hide their alcohol.

Many alcoholics will drink alone, or sneak drinks from a bottle in a workspace or in their vehicle. This sort of covert drinking is an enormous warning and there is no other explanation for their actions apart from alcoholism .

Let's keep our society productive, safe, and sober by keeping our eyes open for questionable behavior in order to get these struggling coworkers, family members, and neighbors the assistance they need.

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From the outside, these so-called high-functioning alcoholics seem to have it all together. They can drive cool cars, live in great neighborhoods, and make a significant income.

Simply because they're high-functioning doesn't mean that they're immune to the repercussions of alcohol. A pilot nursing a hangover, a surgeon with trembling hands, or a financier handling considerable amounts of money are each at-risk of inducing horrendous disasters if they stay on their destructive path.