Alcohol is a difficult substance. In some situations, a person may be able to drink without developing alcohol abuse, while others will develop it. What you believe to be a person who just enjoys alcohol could be a functioning alcoholic. Are you using alcohol so much so that you cannot stop? You may be a functioning alcoholic. At Atlantic Recovery Center, we want to help you see the potential in getting help for this condition.
Alcohol Abuse Isn’t Always What You Think
A functioning alcoholic is a person who is able to get up each day, go to work, take care of their kids, and even socialize. They are not necessarily the stereotypical person who walks around with a bottle in their hand or who cannot work due to being in a constant stupor. Yet, these individuals still need help to overcome their addiction.
What Are the Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic?
One of the most important steps in getting help for alcohol abuse is coming to the realization that you have an addiction. Having a problem like this isn’t something most people want to admit. Take a look at some of the signs of a functioning alcoholic. Do you see yourself or your loved one in this? If so, it may be time to get help.
- Struggling to keep up with responsibilities at home or work
- Needing to use alcohol every day or as often as possible
- Drinking in the morning
- Drinking while alone
- Hiding alcohol use from friends or even at work
- Needing alcohol to feel at ease or “okay”
- Using alcohol to deal with anxiety and depression
Do you feel as though you are still able to get through the day and do everything you are supposed to when you drink? That doesn’t mean you are healthy or that alcohol abuse isn’t taking a toll on you, your relationships, or your career. Take a hard look at what’s happening. Could life be better if you didn’t drink?
Does Anyone Know You’re Drinking?
Functioning alcoholics have the ability to hide their alcohol use. They often spend a lot of their time working to achieve goals and meet expectations so no one will know. So, how can you get treatment for alcohol abuse?
When you are facing this type of decision, it’s important to recognize one of the hardest things about this type of addiction. Most people already know or believe you are abusing alcohol. Your boss may even know that you are doing so. Your friends do, even if you don’t let them see how much you are drinking or get drunk. Even though you try hard, you cannot mask this disease.
What Type of Treatment Is There?
There is treatment available to you. The type of treatment you need depends on the severity of your alcohol abuse as well as your overall health. Many people benefit from a program such as those we offer:
- Residential treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
When you come in to receive treatment as a functioning alcoholic, you may not need detox (though these are services we can help you obtain). Yet, you likely do need to work on healing yourself with individual and group counseling. You also need to gain the skills to break your dependency and tolerance for good.
Gain Clarity and Sobriety at Atlantic Recovery Center
If you are a functioning alcoholic, you may know it is time to get help. You want to take back your life and have a chance at avoiding negative health outcomes. Alcohol abuse can shorten your lifespan otherwise. Our team at Atlantic Recovery Center can provide you with the necessary tools to help you overcome this addiction. Call 1-866-824-5193 to speak to one of our professionals today.