I used to be a college professor and could really relate to being a “high-functioning alcoholic.” I want to share my story, some facts, and offer hope to professionals who might be asking themselves if they’re in the same boat.
Let’s start with what it means to be a high-functioning alcoholic. It’s about drinking too much but still doing well enough in your job and life. A functional alcoholic can drink a lot without showing signs because they’ve built up a tolerance. This means they need more alcohol to feel its effects.
Sarah Allen Benton, an expert, says you can be a high-functioning alcoholic even if you have a good job, home, and relationships. A study from the National Institute of Health found that about 20% of alcoholics in the US are high-functioning. This includes professionals who might be great at their jobs despite their drinking. Often, their struggle is hidden from co-workers, friends, and family.
From personal experience, I know how secretive you can be about your drinking. I hid it from everyone as best as I could. But, this behavior can hurt the people around us without us realizing it. My relationship with my ex and my job suffered a lot because of my drinking.
No matter how successful you are, alcohol abuse harms relationships and health. It can lead to serious diseases and increase the risk of accidents, violence, and even death. But, denial and not getting the right support can keep high-functioning alcoholics from seeking help.
It’s important to understand the risks and consider seeking support if you see yourself in this situation. There’s hope and help available for those who need it.
[1] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-functional-alcoholic-67879
[2] Benton, S.A., Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. 2010
[3] https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/researchers-identify-alcoholism-subtypes
[4] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/high-functioning-alcoholic#1
