Expert shares sign you may be functioning alcoholic that can be spotted in the pub as World Cup kicks off
The World Cup has started and for many people that's reason enough to spend more time in the pub watching the football, though given how late some of the games are on they'll need to stay up until the early hours of the morning.
Drinking alcohol and watching sport are two things often done together, but addiction experts from UK Addiction Treatment Centres have warned that functioning alcoholics could be using it as a chance to drink without raising suspicion.
People in the 'alcoholic danger zone' where they may be at risk of becoming an alcoholic will often seek out situations where it's more acceptable to drink.
If someone you know is getting really into the likes of Qatar vs Switzerland or stays up drinking to catch Sweden vs Tunisia, that's a worrying behaviour, and the experts explained why.
Advert
First though, let's tackle what a functioning alcoholic is.
What is a functioning alcoholic?
As per UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a 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.
You might just think they drink a lot on a night out, or they have an active social life.
Perhaps they're your friend who has set themselves the challenge of seeing as many World Cup games as possible, and just happens to be drinking while watching them.
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’.
The sign of someone being a functioning alcoholic
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 of a functioning alcoholic
They make excuses
The expert says that 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’.
They have pressures in their personal life
Whether it's a high-pressure job or a loved one going through a health crisis, drinking can be a coping strategy
UK Treatment Addiction Centres says police officers, healthcare workers, lawyers, executives, managers, business owners and people in hospitality roles are more likely to become functioning alcoholics.
What should you do if you think you or someone you know is a functioning alcoholic?
The first step is for the alcoholic to admit they have a problem.
James, a recovering alcoholic who worked with UK Treatment Addiction Centres, said: "If you are not at the point of wanting to change, you are not ready for rehab.”
If it's someone you know, James says the best approach is to emphasise the harm their drinking is causing.
He said: "If you have a loved one who is a functional alcoholic, the best way you can help them is to make them see the damage their alcohol use is causing. Once they realise that they are on the verge of losing their family or throwing away a successful career, it may be the impetus they need to seek help.”
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.
Additional words by Jess Battison.
Topics: Alcohol, Mental Health, World Cup
Joe Harker