A functioning alcoholic will not be able to function normally in day-to-day life without the presence of alcohol in their system. When they do drink, they will drink heavily and without any control over how much they consume or when they stop drinking. If you have a loved one who you think might be an alcoholic, it’s important to approach them with love and understanding so that you can help them overcome their addiction before it’s too late. Learn more about alcoholism and alcohol rehab to determine if someone close to you might have this type of problem.
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What Is Alcohol Addiction?
The word addiction is thrown around pretty loosely these days. Everyone seems to be addicted to something: Facebook, Twitter, texting. And alcohol is one of those substances that everyone—from casual social drinkers to hardcore binge drinkers—seems at least somewhat addicted to.
Alcoholism Vs. Alcohol Abuse
A Look at Addiction Symptoms Alcoholism is more than just heavy drinking or binge drinking. While those are two symptoms of alcohol addiction, alcoholism can be defined as an illness, complete with physical dependence on alcohol. Unfortunately, it’s often hard to tell whether someone you love suffers from alcohol abuse or alcoholism—and that’s why many don’t seek treatment for their addiction. So how do you tell if someone is abusing alcohol or has become an alcoholic? The first step is understanding some basic definitions of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: An alcoholic is someone who has lost control over his/her use of alcohol. He/she use despite negative consequences including family conflict, poor work performance or financial difficulties.
What is a Functioning Alcoholic?
A functioning alcoholic is someone who maintains his or her life in spite of being an alcoholic. They are able to function normally, despite being alcoholics, because they have developed several coping mechanisms. The coping mechanisms allow them to deal with any problems that come up while drinking. This way, they are able to continue their normal day-to-day activities without anyone knowing that they have an alcohol problem.
How Can a Functioning Alcoholic Get Help
Like a functioning alcoholic, you’re putting your career, family life, friendships, finances and physical health at risk. Although it might seem like it’s working for now—and that people accept your drinking—you can’t hide from how alcohol is affecting your life forever. The only way to overcome addiction is to admit you have a problem and get help. If you feel as though you might be struggling with alcoholism or know someone who is, reach out today to speak with one of our counsellors about treatment options near you.
