7 Signs You’re at Risk of Becoming a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Many people who struggle with alcohol can still maintain their responsibilities, jobs, and social lives, leading them to believe they don’t have a problem. However, being a high-functioning alcoholic can be just as dangerous as more visible forms of alcoholism.

Here are seven signs that you might be on the path to becoming a high-functioning alcoholic:

1. Regularly Drinking Alone

You often drink alone, especially when stressed or unwinding after a long day. While it might seem harmless, solitary drinking can be a gateway to more serious issues.

2. Using Alcohol to Manage Stress

If your go-to method for dealing with stress is to have a drink, it’s a sign that you might be relying on alcohol more than you should. This habit can quickly spiral into dependency.

3. Hiding Your Drinking

You start to drink in secret or lie about how much you’re drinking to avoid judgment from others. This behavior often indicates that you’re aware, on some level, that your drinking is becoming problematic.

4. Increased Alcohol Tolerance

You notice that it takes more alcohol to feel the effects than it used to. Developing a tolerance is one of the early signs of alcohol dependency.

5. Difficulty Limiting Yourself

You set out to have just one drink, but it frequently turns into several. If you struggle to control how much you drink, it could be a sign of a developing addiction.

6. Rationalizing Drinking Habits

You find yourself coming up with reasons to justify your drinking, such as telling yourself you deserve it after a tough day or that it’s just a way to unwind. These rationalizations can be a red flag.

7. Functioning Despite Heavy Drinking

Despite drinking heavily, you manage to keep up with your work, social life, and responsibilities. While this might make you feel like you don’t have a problem, it’s a key characteristic of a high-functioning alcoholic.

If any of these signs resonate with you, it’s important to take a closer look at your relationship with alcohol. High-functioning alcoholism can be just as destructive as other forms of addiction, and the sooner you recognize the signs, the better. 

I was very high functioning and thought because I was that, I wasn't "hurting anybody," but that was the lie I was stuck in like a loop. The truth is I was hurting myself and the people around me who I loved dearly. I haven't had a drink in twelve years, and by far, it's the best decision of my life. 

I believe in you.

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Courtney Andersen is an Author, Host of the Sober Vibes Podcast, Founder of National Sober Day, and Sober Coach. She helps women quit drinking alcohol and thrive in Sobriety. In 2016, she founded Sober Vibes, an online community for Sober and sober-curious women. Follow Sober Vibes on Instagram for daily motivation and support in your sobriety journey.