My first post about high functioning alcoholics dated November 1 was so popular that I decided to follow-through with my promise to write others. The following is taken from literature provided by Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church, Inc., and was written by Janee S. Parnegg, CAC.
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The family usually sees the first symptoms but is frequently unable to evaluate what those symptoms mean and often attributes them to other causes. The functional alcoholic DOES have personal problems that are caused by or related to the use of alcohol, such as:
Sleep problems Spiritual problems
Flash anger problems Financial problems
Relationship problems Sexual problems
Thinking problems Emotional problems
Mood problems Self-esteem problems
Health problems Family problems
Employment problems Legal problems
Social problems
All these problems usually have alternative and very plausible explanations. How, then, does anyone identify a developing addiction problem? Certain things begin to happen and, when examined carefully, a pattern slowly emerges. The following list is by no means complete but includes indications of the types of things to look for. Remember, the alcoholic is often a brilliant super achiever, is employed, and frequently is an admired citizen, right there in the midst of his/her problem.
THE FAMILY SOMETIMES NOTICES THAT THEIR FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLIC MAY:
1. Drink the first couple of drinks quite rapidly, but that isn't such a big deal, is it?
2. Fix a drink first thing upon arriving home to relax, to calm down, after a hard day. It seems to be an innocent enough ritual.
3. Require a drink before dealing with any family problems, e.g., Johnny's report card, washing machine breaking down, Aunt Matilda coming to visit, etc.
4. Consume "a drink or two" more even after the others have quit.
5. Have a ritually important night cap "in order to sleep."
6. Frequently seem unable to have just one or two drinks but doesn't seem to get really "drunk."
7. Show discomfort in situations where no alcohol is available, e.g., dislikes going to restaurants where no liquor is served, avoids even fun activities where there is no chance to drink.
8. Make an excuse to leave a party early where the alcohol flow is moderate, even though his/her companion is having a good time.
9. "Draw a blank" about conversations or happenings which occurred while drinking, which would normally be remembered (blackouts).
10. Explain his/her drinking even though no one asked.
11. Make a big deal out of not drinking for a few days, weeks, even months.
12. Make promises that aren't kept.
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