Are you tired of being stuck in a cycle of alcohol use? Are you concerned that you may be a functioning alcoholic? A functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to have it all together on the outside but who struggles with an alcohol use disorder, also known as alcohol addiction. Signs of a functioning alcoholic can include signs such as drinking every day, hiding alcohol consumption from loved ones, having withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and relying on alcohol to cope with stress.
If you recognize signs of a functioning alcoholic in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to seek help right away. An alcohol detox center can provide the medical care, support services, and guidance you need to get back on track. Through a comprehensive treatment plan, you can build the healthy coping skills you need for lasting recovery.
An Overview of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drinking and the inability to control or stop drinking. Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, anxiety, sweating, shakes, and seizures, can occur when someone attempts to quit drinking without medical help. The long-term effects of alcohol use disorder can include organ damage and neurological disorders.
What Are the Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic?
Not every individual who struggles with alcohol addiction will display the same signs and symptoms. However, here are some signs to look out for in someone who is likely a functioning alcoholic:
- Drinking every day or multiple times per week
- Hiding alcohol consumption from others
- Having withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Relying on alcohol to cope with stress and difficult emotions
- Making excuses
- Blacking out while drinking
- Driving drunk
- Showing up to work or school drunk or hungover
Drinking excessively even when you have obligations the next day or having to drink early in the morning are two other signs of a functioning alcoholic. Struggling with a drinking problem or alcoholism also increases your risk of experiencing legal problems. For instance, you may struggle with drunk driving or public intoxication charges. Even if you continue to balance your drinking with your career or family life, alcoholism is a progressive condition. In other words, it will continue to get worse until you stop drinking. Because alcohol can cause physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms can start within hours of your last drink. Connecting with a medically supervised detox center when you decide to quit drinking is an important way to protect your health during the early stages of recovery.
How Alcohol Addiction Treatment Can Help
Alcohol addiction can create major changes to your brain chemistry. Your brain associates alcohol and everything that reminds you of drinking with pleasure. As a result, you can face powerful cravings whenever you encounter triggers. Because alcohol is legal, it can make it very difficult to avoid during recovery. Learning how to navigate these cravings and triggers is an important part of addiction treatment.
Inpatient and outpatient alcohol abuse treatment programs ensure that you learn how to cope with triggers and cravings in a healthy manner. During recovery, your brain has to relearn how to properly release neurotransmitters, which can take time. That means you may experience mood changes while your brain heals. These changes are normal during recovery, but they can be difficult to manage without the proper support. Identifying and changing negative thinking patterns is a core concept of recovery.
While in treatment, you can expect to:
- Learn how to recognize triggers and signs of relapse
- Develop a personalized relapse prevention plan
- Heal from the root causes of addiction
- Gain coping skills for managing difficult emotions
- Tackle any co-occurring mental health disorders
- Receive group and individual therapy
- Explore holistic therapies for whole-person recovery
Every step of the way, you will receive support from your care team and peers. With a comprensive treatment plan, you can build the healthy coping skills you need for lasting recovery.
Get help today if you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction. With professional guidance, recovery is possible.
Reach Out to Promises Behavioral Health Today
Our centers provide effective evidence-based treatment for alcohol addiction. We offer residential and outpatient programs that are perfect for every stage of recovery. Whether you’re just starting on your recovery journey or you’re looking for more comprehensive treatment options, we can help. Compassionate care, a personalized treatment plan, and a serene setting are just some of what we offer. Contact us today at 844.875.5609 or reach out to us online to learn more. We’re here to support you every step of the way.