7 Quiet Symptoms of Functional Alcoholics

Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I drink too much?” As it turns out, more than 19 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder.

What’s tricky about this disease is that dependence issues can creep up when we least suspect it. Someone who starts casually drinking can build up their tolerance over time and end up developing a dependence.

Functional alcoholics can blend well into society without raising too much suspicion. Read this article so you can learn about 7 signs you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol problem.

1. Being Sneaky About Drinking Too Much Alcohol

One of the telltale signs of functional alcoholism is when a person tries to hide how many drinks they’ve had. These people know that binge drinking has a stigma, so they try to stay under everyone else’s radar to avoid conflict.

2. Having a High Tolerance

Functional alcoholism is all about being able to drink a lot of alcohol without experiencing signs of intoxication. If someone you know can drink a lot without slurring or stumbling, then they may have a dependency.

3. Getting Fixated on When They Can Have Their Next Drink

Alcoholics plan their days around when they can have their next drink. When someone brings up drinking on a regular basis, this shows that they’re fixated and may need help.

4. Maintaining a Casual Attitude About the Dangers of Drinking

Sometimes if a functional alcoholic raises enough suspicion, they can try to ease their loved one’s worries by saying that their problem isn’t that bad. For example, if they’re not missing work, have solid finances, and their relationships aren’t strained, then they’re not as bad as other kinds of alcoholics.

Even though functional alcoholics may not be facing any consequences yet, they can still benefit from a sober living program that will set them on the right path.

5. Expressing a Need to Drink During Certain Situations

We’ve all suffered from social anxiety before and alcohol can be a simple ice breaker. However, if someone expresses that they need to drink in order to enjoy certain situations, then they rely too much on alcohol.

6. Using Alcohol as a Reward

It’s nice to end a long and exhausting day with a glass of wine, but there are still plenty of other ways to treat yourself. Someone using alcohol as their top reward for every hurdle in life is cause for concern.

7. Engaging in Risky Activities

People who claim to handle their drinks well can do risky things like drinking and driving. Having an intervention can not only save their lives, but also others who may cross their path at the wrong time.

Functional Alcoholics Can Hide Their Problem Well

There are a lot more functional alcoholics in society than people may feel comfortable admitting. Now that you understand the common symptoms of functional alcoholism, you’ll know how to spot trouble before things get worse.

Having a few drinks each week is alright, but it’s important to stay on top of your habits to stay as healthy as possible. If you’re interested in learning new ways you can prioritize your well-being, then hang out on our blog to access more guides.