Are You a High Functioning Alcoholic

The term ‘high functioning alcoholic’ may sound like a contradiction. You may still go to work, pay the bills, maintain relationships and keep up appearances. From the outside, everything may look fine, but behind the scenes, alcohol plays a bigger role in your life than most people know or may be willing to admit. 

Honesty and awareness are the first steps toward meaningful change. If you’re wondering whether your relationship with alcohol may be problematic-even if you seem to have it ‘under control’ - this post is for you. 

What is a High Functioning Alcoholic? 

A high functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to be managing their daily responsibilities well but struggles with alcohol use in ways that are harmful, hidden, or compulsive. You may not meet the stereotype of someone with an alcohol use disorder, but that doesn’t mean your drinking isn’t affecting your life, health, and relationships. 

Signs You Might Be a High Functioning Alcoholic 

• You Set Limits…Then Break Them: You promise yourself you’ll only have one or two drinks but often exceed that limit. You may also try to cut back “just to prove you can.” only to quickly fall back into the same pattern. 

• Drinking is Part of Your Daily Routine: You drink most days of the week, even if it’s just a glass or two. You may tell yourself it’s for stress relief, socializing or to ‘unwind,’ but you can’t remember the last time you felt truly relaxed without it 

• You Hide or Downplay Your Drinking: You might lie about how much you’ve had, drink before social events, or pour extra when no one is watching. You may joke about how much you drink, but deep down, you feel uneasy about it. 

• You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms: Even mild withdrawal - like irritability, shakiness, sweating, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping when not drinking - can be a sign that your body is dependent on alcohol. 

• You Use Alcohol to Cope with Emotions: You drink to manage stress, numb pain, escape boredom or deal with sadness or anxiety. Alcohol becomes less about enjoyment and more about avoiding discomfort 

 

Your Performance is Slipping, Even Subtly: You may still get things done, but you’re often tired, distracted or emotionally detached. Your productivity might not be what it once was, even if others haven’t noticed yet. 

• You Rationalize or Defend Your Drinking: You might compare yourself to others who drink more or seem worse off, saying things like, “At least I’m not that bad,” or “Everyone drinks like this.” These justifications help you avoid facing the real issue. 

• People Have Expressed Concern: Friends, family, or coworkers may have hinted or directly asked about your drinking. You may get defensive or feel embarrassed-even if you brush them off. 

Why Recognizing This Matters

You don’t need to hit ‘rock bottom’ for alcohol to interfere with your life. The idea that someone can’t have a problem because they’re successful or high-achieving is a dangerous myth that keeps people stuck. 

High Functioning Alcoholism can still: 

• Damage your physical health 
• Impact your mental well-being 
• Put strain on your relationships 
• Prevent emotional growth and true connection 

What You Can Do: 

• Be honest with yourself. Keep a log of when and why you drink. This will help you recognize patterns, which will tell you more than any assumptions 

• Talk to someone you trust. Whether it’s a therapist, friend, or support group, speaking out can reduce shame and open doors to change 

• Seek professional help. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy can help uncover the roots of your drinking and offer healthier coping tools 
• Explore alternatives. Trying alcohol-free days, new social habits, or sober communities can help you redefine your relationship with alcohol

Struggling with alcohol doesn’t mean you’ve failed-it means you’re human. If you see yourself in this article, it might be time to have a compassionate, honest look at your drinking. You’re not alone and support is available. 

Reach out to Hopewell Health Solutions to discuss how we can help support you. 

Call 860-946-0447 

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 19a-638, Hopewell Health Solutions, LLC is applying for a certificate of need to establish an outpatient behavioral health care facility for adults at 248 Flanders Road, East Lyme, with an associated capital expenditure of $10,000. Interested persons may contact the State of Connecticut, Office of Health Strategy, Attention: Steven Lazarus, 450 Capitol Ave. MS #510HS, Hartford, CT 06134 or by phone at 860.418.7001 for additional information.