Alcohol addiction takes many forms and is sometimes not as apparent as you may think. The reality of alcohol addiction is that you may not be falling over at the bar or seeing your life falling apart at home. But this doesn’t mean functioning alcoholism isn’t causing you and your life significant harm. Functioning alcoholics are often middle-aged and well-educated people with stable jobs and stable families. And yet, they have a dangerous alcohol addiction that’s masked by an ability to remain functional at work and home.
If you believe you may be a functioning alcoholic, reach out to Greater Boston Addiction Centers online today or call us at 877.920.6583 to learn how our alcohol rehab in Boston can help.
What Is a Functioning Alcoholic?
Functional alcoholism allows those afflicted to consume an unusually large amount of alcohol but not appear to be intoxicated. The risk of dependence, organ damage, and impairment is high because of the tolerance for alcohol they have developed. This means it will take more and more alcoholic drinks to get the buzz they are chasing and may require alcohol addiction treatment for Boston residents to get sober.
A functional alcoholic, sometimes referred to as a high-functioning alcoholic, is not an actual medical term. Instead, these words are commonly used when describing a person who regularly abuses alcohol while remaining able to function in everyday life. The idea of being ‘functioning’ means that you will rarely miss work or other engagements and can outwardly manage your home and family life. If you are a functioning alcoholic, you may also look physically healthy and mentally happy. Still, beneath the surface, you could be struggling with obsessive thoughts, insatiable cravings, and an inability to stop drinking even if you want to because the withdrawal symptoms when you do try to quit are so severe.
If you are worried that you may be suffering from functional alcoholism, a Massachusetts alcohol rehab can help. Here are ten signs to watch for, the red flags of functional alcoholism:
- Do you have the urge to have a drink as soon as you get home from work or school?
- Do you make offhand remarks and jokes about how much you drink?
- Are your conversations often centered around alcohol or drinking?
- Is drinking now something you do alone?
- Are you engaging in high-risk behavior, like binge drinking or drinking while driving?
- Do you find yourself getting annoyed easily or nervous if you’re prevented from drinking?
- Are you denying or hiding your drinking?
- Do you get angry if your drinking habits are questioned by friends, co-workers, or family members?
- Are you having memory issues or trouble remembering things you do and say because you were drinking?
- Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking?
If any of these statements apply to you, it may be time to get professional help at an addiction treatment facility.
How Can Alcohol Addiction Treatment Help?
Alcohol addiction treatment can help a functioning alcoholic in many ways. Treatment plans typically focus on helping the individual understand and cope with their addiction while also teaching them how to manage cravings and build healthier coping skills. Part of this process is recognizing triggers that contribute to drinking, such as stress or loneliness, so they’re better able to avoid these situations in the future. Treatment also helps people understand why they are drinking and how to reduce their alcohol intake.
By addressing underlying issues such as depression or anxiety, an addiction treatment program can help a functioning alcoholic find healthier coping mechanisms, they can use instead of drinking. Therapy is often part of this process, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide additional help.
Most importantly, treatment for functioning alcoholics provides them with the support and guidance they need to make lasting changes in their lives. By taking part in an addiction program, a person is more likely to stop drinking entirely or significantly reduce their alcohol intake. In addition, treatment can also provide other significant benefits for a functioning alcoholic, such as improved relationships with friends and family, better job performance, and an overall increase in quality of life.
The Benefits of Getting Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction
When it comes to addiction, getting professional help is often the best way forward. Alcohol addiction is no different, and there are many benefits associated with seeking help from a professional. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
- Improved physical and mental health
- The full focus is on recovery with no distractions
- Increased chance of long-term success with treatment
- Developing healthier coping mechanisms and avoiding triggers
- Access to education and support resources
- Access to continuing care
- Greater sense of personal accountability
Overall, seeking professional help for alcohol addiction offers many benefits that can increase the chances of long-term recovery. From improved physical and mental health to greater accountability, professional help is essential in helping individuals overcome their addictions and live a healthier life.
Learn More About Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers
If you are suffering from functional alcoholism, learn how our alcohol addiction treatment in Boston can help you get sober, heal your body and mind, and teach you how to live free of dependency on alcohol. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 877.920.6583 today.
