Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing.
With the British weather finally getting better, sunny evenings at the pub and group chats meeting up in real life for a beer garden drink are on the horizon.
But while it might be fun meeting up with your mates for a catch up with a pint in the sunny weather, it could also be a way of spotting someone has a problem.
An addiction expert has revealed the sign that someone might be a functioning alcoholic, and it can quite easily be spotted while you’re having a casual catch up in the pub.
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What is a high-functioning alcoholic?
As per UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a high-functioning alcoholic is someone ‘with an addiction to alcohol, but manages to go about their daily routine’.
Therefore, considering that, their problem often goes unseen.
However, while they might go about getting things done being ‘friendly and social’, most alcoholics aren’t capable of sustaining this ‘way of living for very long’.
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The sign of someone being a high-functioning alcohol
Perhaps you’re out with a person who you suspect might be addicted to drinking and you decide to have a drink with them.
“Initially, they intend that they will just have one or possibly two, and they may sincerely wish to believe this and tell others in your company to reaffirm this belief,” the expert writes.
“But one will always turn into more as they will inevitably find an excuse to continue drinking, whether it be another round, chatting to a new person, or an offer on beverages such as ‘happy hour’.”
They add that whatever the reason is, the person is ‘likely to find excuses to continue drinking’ no matter what.
Other signs
The expert says that high-functioning alcoholics might be aware of their excess drinking and will therefore potentially have 'deep-rooted anxiety'.
“As a result, people with addiction often make excuses about their problems until they seek help,” they write.
So, you might hear them say things such as: “I work so hard. I am entitled to have fun.” As well as: “I pay the bills, take my kids to school, and get to work on time. Alcoholics can’t do those things.”
Or: “I don’t get hangovers, so it is okay.” The expert points out that usually the absence of a hangover can indicate the person has ‘built a high tolerance to alcohol due to excessive and frequent drinking’.
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
Topics: Mental Health, Health, Lifestyle, Alcohol, Food And Drink
Jess Battison