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Am I a functional alcoholic?

A full calendar or steady performance does not make alcohol-related concerns less real.

If this is close to what you’ve been living with, start with one conversation. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t have to know what to call it. That’s our job.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

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You can begin with a private, conversation about what you have noticed and what kind of help feels acceptable.

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Am I a Functional Alcoholic? article image

Original article

“Functional alcoholic” informally refers to someone whose drinking may be difficult to control even though she appears to manage daily life. Learning the signs of alcohol use disorder and recognizing hidden concerns can provide clearer language.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism or binge drinking, contact Women’s Recovery for effective women’s alcohol addiction treatment. By recognizing the signs of a functional alcoholic, you can encourage a person to get professional help and live a better life. To know more about our treatment programs for alcoholic drinkers, call 833.754.0554 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate staff about how we help women overcome alcohol addiction and abuse in Colorado.

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This topic

The term “functional alcoholic” is a misnomer. It seems to suggest that a person who is an alcoholic might still have a successful life, but that’s far from true. A highly functional alcoholic might appear to be holding it together, but they are probably struggling personally.

If you think you have your drinking habit and your life under control but cannot quit drinking or go without drinking for a while, chances are that you are a functional alcoholic. However, the good news is that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a treatable condition, and it is possible to fully recover with the help of medication, therapy, and compassionate care.

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Signs of a Functional Alcoholic

Are you wondering if you or someone you know is an alcoholic drinker? The questions below might help you spot the signs of a functional alcoholic:

  • Do you enjoy drinking on your own?
  • Do you look forward to binge drinking,having five or more drinks in a single sitting,with friends after work?
  • Do you get blackout drunk regularly or semi-regularly?
  • Do you sometimes come to work hungover? Have you missed a professional deadline or a family occasion due to your drinking habit?
  • Do you secretly stockpile liquor?
  • If someone questions your drinking patterns, do you try to downplay it or laugh it off?
  • Do you drink more when you’re under stress?
  • Have you tried quitting on your own and failed?
  • Have you faced any problems in your relationships due to drinking?
  • Do you drink four or five or more drinks in a single sitting?
  • Do you experience cravings for alcohol when you are not drinking?
  • Do you feel irritated or angry if a drinking plan is suddenly canceled?
  • Do you suffer from stomach issues, headaches, liver problems, and other health ailments?
  • Are you secretly ashamed of your drinking habit but feel too powerless to do anything about it?

If you have answered yes to one or more of the above questions, you are likely a highly functional alcoholic. You might appear to have a successful life with a thriving career and stable relationships. Still, it is only a matter of time before you face significant problems in your personal and professional life.

Nevertheless, seeking professional help can reverse the damage and help people live joyous and meaningful lives. If someone you know is an alcoholic drinker, encourage them to get help immediately.

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Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Colorado at Women’s Recovery

At Women’s Recovery, we empower women from all walks of life to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Be it binge drinking or drug addiction, our expert and compassionate staff works carefully with each client to formulate a personalized recovery plan, paying close attention to their unique needs, lived experiences, and wellness goals.
We offer many evidence-based approaches, holistic therapies, trauma-informed treatment, and supportive housing services. Our outpatient programs are designed to help you develop healthier coping mechanisms, get back on your feet in no time, and embrace lifelong sobriety and wellness. It’s never too late to ask for help. Contact Women’s Recovery today at

833.754.0554 and embark on your healing journey as soon as possible.

Common questions

Explore articles on mental health and substance use and substance use care that sees the whole woman for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

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01 Can a woman have alcohol use disorder if she keeps her job and relationships?

Yes. Work performance, family involvement, or an organized routine does not determine whether someone has alcohol use disorder. The central concern is impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, including when harm is not obvious to others.

02 Is “high-functioning alcoholic” a formal diagnosis?

No. “High-functioning alcoholic” is an informal label and can reinforce misleading ideas about who deserves help. Alcohol use disorder is the medical term. It includes what people may call alcohol abuse, dependence, addiction, or alcoholism and is defined by difficulty controlling alcohol despite adverse consequences.

03 Should I wait until drinking causes a crisis before discussing treatment?

You do not need to wait for severe or visible consequences. If drinking is becoming difficult to control, efforts to change keep breaking down, or consequences are emerging, a conversation with a treatment provider may help. Earlier questions are valid even when responsibilities are still being met.

04 What types of help may be used for alcohol use disorder?

Evidence-based treatment may involve behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, approved medications, or a combination of these options. Approved medications for alcohol use disorder are nonaddictive. Because recovery needs can change, continued follow-up with a provider may help adjust the treatment plan rather than expecting one attempt to resolve everything.

05 How can I start a conversation with Women’s Recovery?

You can call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 and ask questions about your concerns or possible next steps. If you prefer to visit or reflect on the location before calling, the address is 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210. The conversation can begin with what you are noticing now.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

01 Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder niaaa.nih.gov View source 02 Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help niaaa.nih.gov View source 03 Check Your Drinking | Alcohol | CDCMinusSASstats cdc.gov View source
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