Yes, many health insurance plans cover alcohol addiction treatment, including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and therapy. It’s important to check with your insurance company or a treatment center to understand your benefits, including co-pays, deductibles, and in-network providers. Many rehab centers offer assistance in verifying insurance coverage to help make treatment accessible. Therapy and counseling are essential components of treating high-functioning alcoholism. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, as it helps individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to alcohol dependence, enabling the individual to manage stress and emotions without resorting to drinking.
- High-functioning alcoholics who drink for decades risks developing cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease.
- Recovery is possible through therapy, rehab programs, and support groups.
- However, as functioning alcoholics drink more regularly, they develop a higher tolerance.
- A supervised detox program ensures safety while managing withdrawal symptoms.
- Traditional alcoholism often comes with visible signs that are hard to ignore, such as job loss, financial difficulties, and strained relationships.
Emotional and Psychological Patterns
- If you spot signs of alcoholism in a loved one, encourage them to seek help.
- But if you do it regularly to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, and other negative emotions — you may be a functional alcoholic.
- However, not everyone who struggles with alcohol fits the stereotypical image of someone who can’t hold down a job or maintain healthy relationships.
A “high-functioning alcoholic” is someone who exhibits problematic drinking behaviors yet manages to maintain the outward appearance of a successful, stable life. They may have an established career, pay the bills on time, care for their family’s needs and keep up with social obligations — all while relying heavily on alcohol. The term “high-functioning” can be misleading because it suggests that alcohol is not interfering with their life. However, while the disruption may not yet be apparent on the outside, the internal challenges and potential long-term health consequences remain significant. Unfortunately, high-functioning alcoholism, as a secret or undiagnosed disorder, can be more dangerous than obvious, debilitating alcoholism. This is because high-functioning alcoholics are often in denial about their addiction, so they are less likely to seek treatment.
Alcohol Addiction
Your doctor may also conduct imaging tests if other laboratory studies come back abnormal. For example, a computed tomography (CT) scan tests for liver enlargement, which can occur after years of chronic drinking. Your doctor may order this test if your blood tests indicate abnormal liver functioning. There is research showing that about 19.5 percent of people with AUD are middle-aged, well-educated, and have stable jobs, homes, and families.
Support and Funding
High-functioning alcoholism is a term used to describe individuals who struggle with alcohol use issues yet maintain a seemingly stable and successful life. Despite appearing in control, these individuals are at risk of significant health and social consequences. The difference is that they’ve developed high functioning alcoholic strategies to hide or rationalize the extent of their drinking. In many cases, they may not even fully recognize the severity of the issue themselves because their outward success seems to contradict the stereotype of alcoholism.
Take The Next Step
Gaining insight into these symptoms enhances understanding addiction relapse stages, paving the way for recovery. Alcohol use disorder does not always fit the stereotype of someone whose life is visibly falling apart. Many people maintain careers, relationships, and daily responsibilities while struggling with alcohol dependency behind the scenes. These individuals are often referred to as high-functioning alcoholics. The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. A high-functioning alcoholic can exist in alcoholism treatment any social class, profession, or cultural background.