The high-functioning alcoholic differs from the stereotype. The stereotypical image of an alcoholic that comes to mind is a vision of a person from lower social classes, whose life has fallen apart, who struggles with financial problems, and even homelessness. It's worth noting that not all alcoholics fit such an image. Some of them appear to be successful people — they have jobs, families, earn well. They are educated, fashionably dressed, hold responsible positions, have a rich social life. No one among their acquaintances would even suspect that they suffer from alcoholism. Specialists call such people high-functioning alcoholics (HFA). Among alcoholics, they constitute about 20%.
How does a high-functioning alcoholic behave?
A high-functioning alcoholic behaves according to prevailing social conventions. They seem responsible and dutiful. They may have great professional achievements. They take care of themselves, take supplements, exercise. In reality, however, professional successes make it difficult for family and loved ones to recognize the alcohol problem that HFA must struggle with alone. It's worth emphasizing that the high-functioning alcoholic themselves also deny their own alcoholism. The stereotypical image of an addicted person also exists in their head, from which they seem far removed. Very often, high-functioning alcoholics consume alcoholic beverages daily or several times a week. Having high social status, it's easier to access better alcohol, good whisky, and expensive liqueurs. We won't see the high-functioning alcoholic HFA with stereotypical vodka and the cheapest wine. Much more is required of HFA than of others — they often perform very responsible functions, manage a team in a company, and make key decisions. They are considered specialists in their field — despite regularly coming to work under the influence of alcohol. Their life is sometimes burdened with enormous stress, which requires tremendous psychological resilience. They are accustomed to hard work — they often even experience workaholism. This is connected with the need for a violent reset, which can be fulfilled by a large dose of alcohol.Alarming statistics — HFA in Polish corporations
The numbers speak for themselves. According to research conducted by the School of Resocialization Pedagogy in Warsaw, in 2011 18% of employees in Warsaw corporations consumed alcoholic beverages daily, and 40% — several times a week.Warning signals — how to recognize a high-functioning alcoholic
The fact that a high-functioning alcoholic is significantly harder to recognize doesn't mean it's impossible. They don't fit the stereotype due to their high social status. It's also worth remembering that an alcoholic with lower income will statistically receive help faster. This happens because in their case, the alcohol disease is much more visible. In the case of HFA, the matter looks somewhat different. A high-functioning alcoholic can remain in addiction for several years — and even their entire life. HFA will very often not admit to their alcohol problems. If they're managing at work and drinking exclusively premium alcohol — they believe alcoholism doesn't concern them. The high-functioning alcoholic will be the king of appearances, especially during professional and social contacts. They'll drink with friends, but it won't be noticeable. At home, they'll hide empty bottles, and the family will remain unaware. This behavior is strictly subconscious, because HFA themselves deny the existence of their problem even to themselves. It's also worth remembering that breaks from drinking alcohol don't indicate the absence of alcohol disease. High-functioning alcoholics can give up alcohol for even several months, but they will always return to it.Effects of alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse carries risks. It can lead to liver diseases, pancreatitis, cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and high blood pressure. The risk of death from car accidents, homicide, and suicide is much higher among alcoholics. Any alcohol abuse increases the likelihood of violence, abuse, and child neglect. Learn more from our article: Alcoholism — health effects and psychological symptomsHow to get help? — high-functioning alcoholic
For a high-functioning alcoholic to admit to themselves they have alcoholism, a shocking situation like a crisis or job loss often must come to help. When a high-functioning alcoholic decides to seek specialized help, it's best to choose a private facility offering an individual approach to each patient. Therapy sessions organized for large groups of patients rarely achieve the expected results in the case of high-functioning alcoholics. Treatment of high-functioning alcoholics consists of individual therapy sessions with a qualified specialist in this field. We also offer implantation procedures using an invisible, discreet esperal implant, as well as detoxification. Alcohol detox is very often the first step to start with. It will restore the disturbed water-electrolyte balance and replenish deficiencies of vitamins and minerals flushed out by alcohol. It's the foundation for further therapies. Alcoholism affects the entire environment of the addicted person. Their friends also suffer, almost everyone who has contact with a person affected by alcoholism. However, the family suffers the most. They must watch the self-destruction of a loved one.Important help for the family
For an alcoholic's family, understanding one basic matter is essential. The loved one is ill and the family itself cannot do anything about it. It can help the addicted person, but it cannot cure them. It's important to accept this fact. It's also essential that everyone, even children, knows what's really happening with the loved one. Hiding alcoholism will bring nothing good. Another important issue is not blaming yourself for the loved one's alcoholism. Addicts often blame others for their condition, this is their defense mechanism based on suppressing their own mistakes. In such situations, anger, feelings of wrong and bitterness, despair and helplessness often appear. Alcoholic families must define these feelings to be able to talk about it calmly. They also shouldn't close themselves at home with their problems, must maintain family bonds. It's also important to gain knowledge about alcoholism, learn appropriate behaviors to be able to offer proper support. See also: Typical behavior of an alcoholic towards familySupport for alcoholism treatment
When a family in which an alcoholism problem exists has gone through the stage of understanding the problem, it can offer proper support to the addicted person. It's extremely important in the treatment process. It starts with trying to convince the family member that they have an alcohol problem and should undergo treatment. You shouldn't try to cure someone, because you probably don't have the appropriate knowledge. Therefore, you shouldn't shout, hide or pour out alcohol, and under no circumstances should you drink together with the addicted person. The addict should take responsibility for their actions themselves, must understand that they are ill and treatment is necessary. Real help doesn't come down to indulgence and justifying the alcoholic. You mustn't justify or hide their escapades, they must know what the consequences are and bear them with full awareness. You need to arm yourself with patience, returns to drinking may repeat. However, if the alcoholic knows that the family understands their problem and is ready for their return, such support can prove to be a lifesaver. Of course, we're talking about the return of a person who has gotten back on track.Support is an important matter
For a family to be able to provide support to an addicted person, it must be properly prepared. The support itself must also be based on certain principles. Only then will it be effective and help the person with the problem return to health.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
