Alcoholism, and alcohol abuse, comes in many different forms. Therefore, the way it looks for you, might not be the same as someone you know. However, you might be using that person as your measure of “I’m not doing too bad”. Alcoholism isn’t a one-trick pony. Instead, it changes to fit your lifestyle, and the way in which you rely on alcohol. High-functioning alcoholism is a form of alcohol abuse that often gets overlooked due to the fact that you’re still performing the duties and requirements of your day, and maybe even thriving in them. However, this is a problem that needs fixing, sooner rather than later…
High-Functioning Alcoholism: Am I Abusing Alcohol?
Drinking is often revered as a social activity, and a way to cut loose with friends. We all might have a glass of wine by ourselves during our favorite TV show on Tuesday. But, it’s that second, third, and fourth glass after a tough day that begins to prove problematic. Everyone uses alcohol in a different way, but when you’re using it as a means of ‘taking the edge off’, it begins to play a different role…
Using alcohol to cope
If you have a tough day in the office, or receive bad news, and reach for the bottle— then you might be using alcohol in a way that can easily become dependent. Think about when you want a drink: is it a craving? Are you facing stress? Anger? Sadness? Or, do you simply enjoy having a glass of wine with dinner every now and then? According to the American Psychological Association (APA), drinking once or twice a week is completely fine. In fact, in that frequency, you’re considered to have your drinking ‘under control’. However, many more people than you’d think indulge quite a bit more than this standard.
Trying to reach a desired result
One of the telltale signs that you have a habit, which is progressing, is if you’re looking for a certain feeling, and you’re drinking more to get to that point. It used to be two glasses, but now it’s three— then four, and so forth… The most telling sign of alcoholism, in any severity, is drinking more over time to reach the same result.
Alcoholism looks different on everyone
The key thing to remember, if you’re wondering about your addiction, is to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to alcoholism. Furthermore, high-functioning alcoholism can be pretty difficult to catch on to for the people around you. Therefore, it’s up to you to make the distinction, and work to better it. We wish you luck as you work towards a better you, and urge you to make the consideration before it affects some other area of your life.