In this blog, we provide tips on how to cope when you’re living with an alcoholic in denial as well as some practical things you can do to encourage them to seek the alcohol addiction rehab they need. Over time, these behaviors may escalate into secrecy, mood swings or physical symptoms like tremors. If you’re concerned, it’s worth paying attention and seeking guidance.
- Don’t waver – be prepared for the pushback, but stay firm in your convictions.
- Finally, be willing to admit that you have a problem and firmly resolve to make a change in your life.
- It is important to view it as a symptom and not simply frustrating behaviour.
- Even though they may want to stop, many functioning alcoholics often won’t know where or how to begin the process.
- When someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s hard to know where to turn.
Why denial is common for people with AUD
When it comes to high-functioning alcoholism, interventions play a crucial role in helping individuals recognize their alcohol misuse and take steps towards recovery. Interventions provide an opportunity for friends, family members, and loved ones to express their concerns and offer support. Let’s explore why interventions matter and the benefits of early intervention. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
These groups offer a safe space for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and learning effective coping strategies. Encouraging a high-functioning alcoholic to seek treatment is crucial for their recovery. Approach the topic with empathy and compassion, expressing your concerns for their well-being.
- They may make excuses as to why they cannot come to work, bail them out of legal trouble, or give them money to help them out of a bind.
- CT scans, blood tests looking for B12 levels, and liver functioning tests can also pinpoint and measure issues and symptoms caused by chronic drinking.
- The person’s brain is, in fact, protecting itself from the pain and often humiliation of admitting they have lost control of their drinking.
- Being dishonest or lying about alcohol consumption is pretty common with alcoholism.
- This can make it difficult for an alcoholic to admit they have a problem, as they may feel like they are not in control of their own actions.
- Regrettably, in many cases, other people in their lives affirm their denial by agreeing with their excuses and encouraging them to drink more.
Get Treatment for High Functioning Alcoholism
As a result, they might try to hide their drinking from you or make excuses for the habit, so you need to watch them diligently. Pay attention to helping a high-functioning alcoholic in denial their habits, how often and how much they drink, as well as how they act when they’re not drinking. When people drink alcohol, it can temporarily lower inhibitions and reduce feelings of anxiety or shyness.
funding options
Certain traits, such as independence and perfectionism, can add to a person’s hesitancy or reticence to seek help, says Grawert. People who are high functioning with a drinking problem “seem to have everything together,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor. They’re able to successfully manage tasks around their work, school, family, and finances, he says. When a loved one has a drinking problem, it’s hard to know how to help, especially if they are in denial. The road to recovery is often paved with professional guidance and the decision to seek professional support from recovery support groups.
The Impact of Enabling on Alcohol Addiction Denial
“When you take steps to heal, it gives everyone permission around you to do the same,” says Spotorno. “Mental health care is critical for achieving long-term success in overcoming AUD,” says Elhaj. Anger and frustration can be tough emotions when supporting someone with AUD. Reminding yourself that you can’t “fix” your loved one — but you can be there for them — can help you cool off, says Elhaj.
Recognizing these signs and characteristics is essential in order to provide the support and intervention necessary for a high-functioning alcoholic to address their addiction. Helping a high-functioning alcoholic is tough, but with empathy and resources, your loved one can start their recovery journey. We also offer a free addiction assessment, which can help us understand the difficulties your loved one has been experiencing and talk through the best course of treatment for their recovery. Use the information below to book a free assessment and help your loved one start their journey to recovery today. Someone struggling with alcoholism may find it hard to accept they have a problem if it’s just coming from your observations.
Alcohol negatively affects cognitive function, and when someone is addicted to alcohol, their brain begins to rely on it to function properly. This can make it difficult for an alcoholic to admit they have a problem, as they may feel like they are not in control of their own actions. It’s easy to feel betrayed, let down or back to square one when the person promises they will stop drinking but relapse shortly after.
For some people, this can be a pleasant feeling that enhances social interactions and makes them feel more confident. For many people who struggle with functional alcoholism, alcohol becomes a way to self-medicate and cope with negative emotions. Drinking to feel happy or confident can be a way to avoid dealing with difficult life issues or stressful situations. High-functioning and functioning alcoholics are the most likely group to show serious signs of denial. Denial is a serious mental health issue which can lead to severe self-harm, destructive behaviour and neglect. The risks of alcoholism are well-documented and understood by most of the population, yet addiction continues.
When drinking starts to affect your relationships and daily life
High-functioning alcoholics drink because they “need to drink,” not always because they want to drink. According to a government survey, about 20% of alcoholics in America are high-functioning alcoholics. They take care of their families, always pay their bills, and avoid trouble with the law. In fact, their families and friends might not even know they are alcoholics if they show no signs of having a substance use disorder. Some high-functioning alcoholics will even keep their alcoholism a secret or fail to recognize it themselves.
Often, functional alcoholics surround themselves with enabling personality types. If you feel someone you care about may be a functioning alcoholic, you can help call them out by monitoring their alcohol intake. If they are engaging in secret drinking, binging and having problems due to alcohol, you can note these down to discuss with them. The negative stigma about alcoholism has created a stereotype no one wants to identify with.
People who drink compulsively or habitually will be affected in a variety of different ways. Some people who struggle with alcohol use disorder are unable to hold a steady job, care for their families, and get through the day without causing some kind of chaos. Other problem drinkers, sometimes referred to as high-functioning alcoholics, are able to maintain a life that resembles one of normalcy. A high-functioning alcoholic may be able to perform well in their career, maintain relationships with their loved ones, and avoid many of the major problems that many alcoholics face.