Living with an Alcoholic: What to Know and How to Cope

The reality of what an addiction to alcohol looks like in terms of outward appearances varies for different individuals. While some alcoholics rapidly spiral out of control and experience visible turmoil in their lives early on, high-functioning alcoholics tend to keep their problems well-hidden. High-functioning (or perhaps more accurately, currently functioning) alcoholics defy the usual stereotypes that people have of those caught in the grip of addiction. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can impact short- and long-term physical and mental health.

How to live with a functioning alcoholic

Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. In the short term, alcohol use increases the risk for alcohol poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome, accidents, injuries, violence, and risky sexual behavior. Drinking rarely causes them to miss work and other obligations (although it does happen occasionally).

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Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who are trying to recover from a codependent relationship. Other support groups, such as Al-Anon, are available for friends and family members who need help dealing with an alcoholic’s issues. Sometimes husbands and wives of high-functioning alcoholics are the only ones who know their spouse has alcohol problems.

Supported living

If people with high functioning AUD do not get treatment, the disease may progress to a point at which their dependence significantly impacts their day-to-day lives. You may hear them called “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics. But those aren’t official medical terms. Please note that alcoholism can increase the risk of domestic and emotional abuse. If you’re someone experiencing abuse, please do not hesitate to reach out to your nearest domestic abuse helpline for support. An intervention can be hosted by anyone who is concerned for the health and wellness of the alcoholic be it a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or friend.

• Negative life experiences, such as grief, abuse, or living in poverty, can also increase the odds.
• When she’s not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible.
• We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
• High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease.
• Families can get stuck in a holding pattern or waiting game while waiting for the day they address the admitted problem.
• Someone with AUD may also become angry or irritable when they don’t have access to alcohol because they’re experiencing withdrawal.

And above all else, take steps to keep you and the rest of your household safe and healthy. Sarah Allen Benton, M.S., LMHC., LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor and author of Understanding the high functioning alcoholic High-Functioning Alcoholic. However, this and other related misnomers such as “functional alcoholic” are no longer used because of the potential stigma that can prevent someone from seeking help.

Relationships and Social Life

• The most in-depth care allows you to live full time at a treatment facility.
• If you have AUD but are not connected with treatment, the risk of progressing to more severe AUD is much greater.
• A high-functioning alcoholic may hide their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major losses.
• These setups can also work along with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
• You likely have questions about how to deal with an alcoholic, or how to help an alcoholic.
• If you’re living with someone who has AUD, it’s important to understand what’s behind the addiction to alcohol and to learn how to cope.

• High-functioning alcoholics don’t tend to show signs of an AUD on the surface, making it difficult for loved ones to see that they have a problem and offer help.
• These behaviors are potential signs that a person is unable to control their cravings for alcohol or they’re trying to resolve withdrawal symptoms by drinking, both of which are symptoms of AUD.
• As alcohol use increases, high-functioning alcoholics may begin to cancel appointments or other engagements in an effort to hide hangovers, withdrawal symptoms, and other indications of addiction.
• As time goes on and tolerance increases, they may attempt to hide the growing problem, and a growing number of empty bottles or cans, from friends and family.
• Ultimately, no matter who is in your life with a drinking problem, their struggles with alcohol can be exacerbated if they do not receive timely intervention.