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Alcoholics always drink in the morning. Alcoholics are unable to maintain employment. Alcoholics are generally homeless, Alcoholics are typically older males. Alcoholics drink every day.
Functioning Alcoholics
These are just a few of the stereotypes surrounding alcoholics in our society. They prevent many from seeking professional help and increase denial. Functioning alcoholics defy these stereotypes; going undetected because they do not fit the “typical” alcoholic mold.
Alcoholic Subtypes
A 2007 study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism categorized alcoholics into 5 subtypes: only 9% fit the low-bottom classification, 19% are middle-aged with mental illness, 21% are younger and antisocial, 32% fit the “young adult” subtype, and 20% are “functioning” alcoholics.
Functioning alcoholic refers to those able to maintain their daily routine, including employment, home, family, and relationships, while drinking to excess. Functioning alcoholics struggle with the same disease as “low-bottom” alcoholics, but with an entirely different progression.
Many of these functioning alcoholics are not categorized as such due to their success in daily life. And they, especially men, are less apt to seek alcohol abuse treatment; often sliding through the cracks of the health care system.
At Laguna Beach Recovery, functioning alcoholics are defined by a series of categories, including:
Denial
- Justify drinking to relieve stress and/or as a reward
- Believe that there is no problem due to continued success
- Do not view themselves as alcoholics because they do not fit the stereotypical image
Personal & Professional Life
- Well respected for academic/job accomplishments and performance
- Able to gain an education and/or maintain employment
Interpersonal Relationships
- Maintain romantic relationships
- Sustain family relations and friendships
Habits
- Repeated unwanted drinking behaviors and patterns
- Compromise morals and/or display personality changes when drinking
- Obsess about upcoming drinking opportunities
- Cravings are set off by one drink
Alcoholism is a progressive, chronic, and lifelong struggle that requires professional alcohol abuse treatment programs, whether the individual is a successful attorney or without home. The image of the “stereotypical” alcoholics must be abolished to help ensure that they receive the care and attention they require.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, call us now! We will help!
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