When someone suffers from an alcohol use disorder, people assume that they must not function and take care of daily responsibilities. But the opposite is true. Many people put up a good appearance, go to work daily, and take care of their responsibilities. Statistics show that one-fifth of the seventeen million Americans dealing with an alcohol use disorder can be classified as functional.[1] However, they can also be dealing with depression. When you’re talking about high functioning alcohol and depression, people must seek help from a dual diagnosis rehab.
Let’s take a look at some signs to look out for if someone is high functioning and the importance of getting help to get sober.
Continued after video:
The Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic
If a loved one is considered a high functioning alcoholic, they’re not going to show up drunk to work or their child’s softball game. To the general public, they will seem to have it all together. But, some behaviors are red flags and signal someone is a high functioning alcoholic.[2]
Examples of these types of behavior include:
- You or a loved one pour yourself a drink the moment you get in the door.
- Getting mad or angry when something or someone prevents you from drinking.
- HIding alcohol consumption.
- Getting mad or angry if someone noticed you drinking heavily.
These are just a few signs that you or someone you love could be a high functioning alcoholic.
One thing to remember is that they may consume as much alcohol as others battling an alcohol use disorder. Still, they don’t appear intoxicated because they’ve built up a tolerance. They need to drink more to get the same effects. This means they are drinking at dangerous levels. This can impair judgment and lead to other health problems.
Depression and the High Functioning Alcoholic
Many people classified as high functioning and dealing with an alcohol use disorder may also be battling depression. This type of dual diagnosis is widespread because anxiety and depression can lead to excessive drinking.[1] Just because someone is high functioning and appears to have their life together, it doesn’t negate the severity of their depression or alcohol use.
If people take medication for depression and anxiety, alcohol consumption can disrupt their treatment. Alcohol interferes with medication, making their depression and anxiety worse. This can lead people to drink even more to make themselves feel better. It’s a vicious cycle that can only stop with the right treatment.
Many people never address the underlying causes of their addiction. This can lead to a higher chance of relapse. If people understand what lead to their drinking in the first place, they will be able to address not only their drinking but also the underlying reasons for drinking. When both issues are addressed at once, the chances of staying sober can increase. A dual diagnosis rehab treatment will address depression and alcohol abuse.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab for High Functioning Alcohol and Depression
At Desert Cove Recovery, we realize that addiction has many faces. We know many people may not show that they are dealing with alcohol use disorder and depression. Helping them acknowledge they need help is just as important as helping those with obvious signs of battling addiction.
We offer various services to help people overcome their alcohol use disorder and depression at the same time. Our customized treatment programs to help those with a dual diagnosis will address the dependency on alcohol and therapy to find the underlying causes of addiction. For some, this involves detox. This must be done with medical professionals nearby to help deal with any withdrawal symptoms that can arise.
Through our careful and precise treatment programs, we help people live the sober lives they deserve. Call us today or contact us online to get started.
Sources:
[1] https://www.everydayhealth.com/sanjay-gupta/are-you-a-functional-alcoholic/ [2] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-functional-alcoholic-67879
