Alcoholism is a serious condition that can significantly impair someone’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic in order to identify and address the problem. Keep reading to learn what to look for and how to seek help.
Functioning Alcoholics
In order to help yourself or someone else, it’s important to understand the disorder. So, what is a functioning alcoholic? A functioning alcoholic is someone who is able to maintain a certain level of normalcy in their day-to-day lives despite having an addiction to alcohol. They may have a job, family, and social obligations that they carry out as if nothing were wrong. But underneath the surface, their dependence on alcohol has become excessive, and it affects every aspect of their life. While there are no set criteria for determining when someone should be considered a functioning alcoholic, there are warning signs and symptoms that can help identify this type of individual.
Common Symptoms
One common sign of a functioning alcoholic is drinking more than usual or hiding how much they actually drink from those around them. This could include drinking earlier in the day or increasing the amount drank each time they consume alcohol. They may also attempt to hide evidence of their problem by stocking up on beer or liquor so that others won’t notice how much they’re consuming. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to also display signs of denial about their situation, such as making excuses for why they need another drink after already having several throughout the day.
Another symptom associated with being a functioning alcoholic is experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms when trying to abstain from drinking, even briefly. Withdrawal effects can range from lightheadedness and nausea all the way up through severe tremors and seizures depending on the levels reached over time with prolonged extreme use patterns. Additionally, changes in personal behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption might include irritability or mood swings when sober, neglecting responsibilities at home or work, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
By recognizing these warning signs early on, it’s possible to provide assistance to help those suffering from alcoholism before things get any worse.
Seeking Help
Seeking professional help for addiction treatment is an important step in addressing alcohol use disorder. This type of problem is often difficult to recognize since the person who suffers from it may be able to maintain their daily activities and responsibilities, despite drinking heavily in private or at night. However, family members are typically aware of changes that have taken place that could indicate an alcohol use disorder or other substance abuse problems.
There are various resources available for those seeking addiction treatment, including counseling services from mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, and residential treatment programs tailored specifically for substance abuse issues. There are also medication-assisted treatments that can help address the underlying causes of alcoholism. Treatment and detoxification centers are designed to safely monitor withdrawal symptoms while helping people transition into recovery. It’s important to understand that each person’s experience with alcohol dependence is unique, so there isn’t one “right way” to seek help.
When looking into different types of care options when seeking help for addiction treatment, it’s essential to consider the needs of the person first before choosing any particular program or approach. No matter if it is for yourself or someone else, considering individual needs will ensure the greatest potential for success with the chosen option. Additionally, make sure any provider meets certain standards in terms of clinical quality and evidence-based practices, as well as providing adequate support services like medical monitoring or psychological assessments if necessary during the process.
Alcoholism is a problem that impacts many individuals and families around the world. Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic is essential to prevent the progression of the disease and to ensure proper care and treatment. If you are someone you know is having problems with alcohol use, it’s imperative to seek help as soon as possible in order to return to a healthy, normal life.
