What is a Functioning Alcoholic, and Does it Really Exist?
While functional alcoholism isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, it does represent the danger that alcoholics face every day when they are deep in addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 29.5 million U.S. adults (that’s nearly 12% of the population) struggle with AUD. Many of them fit the “functioning” profile, which can delay recognition and treatment, leading to health complications and sometimes even death. In this blog, we will discuss what a functioning alcoholic might look like and why this title is misleading.
If you or a loved one need an environment to help from alcohol addiction, consider the sober living homes offered at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people find a sober and fulfilling life.
Defining a Functioning Alcoholic
A functioning alcoholic is someone who meets the criteria for alcohol use disorder but maintains a relatively stable life on the surface. Despite appearing that they have it “all together,” they are still drinking large amounts of alcohol, often daily, or mixing substances. Over time, the physical and emotional damage this causes becomes harder to hide, but in the beginning, they may:
- Hold down a full-time job or career
- Maintain relationships with family and friends
- Manage finances and other responsibilities
- Avoid major public incidents or arrests related to drinking
Why the “Functioning” Label is Dangerous
When people regard themselves, or someone they love, as a functioning alcoholic, they place themselves into a subcategory where they are less aware of the dangers to themselves, or their loved one’s health and well-being. It may become a running joke between the alcoholic and their loved one. This allows the person with the addiction to continue heavily drinking with a false sense of security. Because everyone involved seems to be happy and coping with responsibilities, they may all underestimate the serious impact that alcohol is having on the health of the “functional alcoholic” in this dynamic until it is too late.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that excessive alcohol use contributes to more than 140,000 deaths each year in the United States, including from liver disease, cancer, heart disease, and accidents. Functioning alcoholics are at risk for health issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, and liver damage. They may also experience anxiety and depression.
Even when everything seems “fine” on the surface, the toll of living with alcoholism in the home or family is heart-wrenching. Partners, children, and friends often adapt to unhealthy dynamics without realizing it. To better understand these hidden struggles, read our post What Are the Psychological Effects of Living with an Alcoholic?
Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic
Some signs that you might have alcoholism, even though you can keep up with daily responsibilities, are:
- Drinking daily or binge drinking on weekends
- Hiding alcohol use from others
- Drinking alone or in the morning
- Joking about or downplaying drinking habits
- Neglecting self-care while still meeting external responsibilities
If several of these signs are present, it’s important to seek professional help.
Recovery is Possible
At The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation in Charleston, SC, we understand that functioning alcoholism is still alcoholism. You or your loved one is still at risk of harm and in need of support, even if they can keep up with their responsibilities. Our sober living homes provide a safe, structured environment for people to find a community of peers who can support them during this difficult time. Our approach includes 12-step programming, SCARR-certified housing, an accountability-driven community, routines, and goal-setting.
So Does a Functioning Alcoholic Really Exist?
Functioning alcoholism exists in the sense that someone can be an alcoholic and still manage daily responsibilities. But if you look closely enough, you will begin to see the cracks, both in their health and mental well-being, or in their dropped responsibilities. Although they will appear in control, eventually something will give, whether that’s their health, happiness, or relationships. The sooner that someone reaches out for help–despite being “functional,”–the better.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of functioning alcoholism, don’t wait for a crisis to take action. Contact The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation today to learn how our Charleston and Mount Pleasant sober living homes can provide the support, structure, and community needed for a healthy, alcohol-free life.
