An expert has revealed the one sign that could indicate someone is a functioning alcoholic.
With the warm weather arriving in the UK, most of us will be heading off to the pub for a tipple on a Friday evening - and let's not forget that wedding season has well and truly arrived.
In fact, the summer months are filled with all kinds of opportunities for boozing. But how do you know when casual drinking starts to verge on dependency?
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An addiction expert has revealed the sign that someone might be a functioning alcoholic - and you can spot it while meeting up for a quick tipple at the pub.
What is a high-functioning alcoholic?
According to UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a high-functioning alcoholic is someone ‘with an addiction to alcohol, but manages to go about their daily routine’.
Essentially, the person is addicted, but they're able to maintain their everyday lives.
Therefore, considering that, their problem is often unnoticed.
Key sign of someone being a high-functioning alcoholic
If you suspect someone is a functioning alcoholic, there's a simple sign to look out for.
“Initially, they intend that they will just have one or possibly two, and they may sincerely wish to believe this and tell others in your company to reaffirm this belief,” the expert writes.
“But one will always turn into more as they will inevitably find an excuse to continue drinking, whether it be another round, chatting to a new person, or an offer on beverages such as ‘happy hour’.”
Whatever the reason is, the person is ‘likely to find excuses to continue drinking’ no matter what.
There may be other signs to look out for, too.
According to the expert, high-functioning alcoholics can be aware of their drinking, and suffer with 'deep-rooted anxiety' over it.
“As a result, people with addiction often make excuses about their problems until they seek help,” they write.
Justifications can include: “I work so hard. I am entitled to have fun.” As well as: “I pay the bills, take my kids to school, and get to work on time. Alcoholics can’t do those things.”
Or: “I don’t get hangovers, so it is okay.”
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
Lucy Devine