Experts list 17 signs of a functioning alcoholic as drinking 'rises in summer'

Casual drinking rises in the warmer months and healthcare professionals are concerned about functioning alcoholism and problem drinking.

Adults tend to drink more as the nights stretch out in the summer evenings and social events multiply amid good weather.

According to a recent survey, over half of Brits (56%) admitted to drinking once a week or more when the weather is warmer, Wales Online reports.

Addiction specialists from Private Rehab Clinic Delamere have compiled a list of common signs that individuals worried about either their own drinking habits or those of a loved one can look out for.

But what does functioning alcoholism mean? It could entail a person who suffers from alcoholism but is still able to hold down a job, play a role within a family and to most people, appear to be coping.

The signs are not always easy to spot - those that suffer from alcoholism are exceptionally good at hiding their condition.

With few apparent negative consequences, a functioning alcoholic is unlikely to want to change whilst they feel they still have time.

Alcohol addiction is at the chronic end of the spectrum of alcohol use disorders for which there is no cure.

It can, however, be successfully treated and the sooner treatment is undertaken the better for the individual concerned and their loved ones.

Signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic

People who are functioning alcoholics can be remarkably good at hiding their condition (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

1. Frequent intoxication and smelling of alcohol
2. Loss of control around alcohol use
3. Hiding alcohol in strange places such as their garage, at the office, in bushes or in their car
4. Drinking between work times or appointments, or drinking just enough to keep their alcohol levels topped up if they are alcohol dependent
5. Frequent binge drinking after daily responsibilities are taken care of
6. Justifying their drinking as a way of unwinding after work, a busy day with the kids or as a reward
7. Becoming irritable, anxious, restless and unable to sleep if they are unable to drink
8. Regularly drinking in the morning before going about their day, or at odd times of the day such as lunchtime in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms
9. Always drinking at social events and 'preloading' prior to attending a social event
10. Avoiding social events or activities that do not involve alcohol
11. Alcohol has become a problem at home, with them either drinking excessively alone at home or disappearing to a pub or bar straight after work for hours
12. Becoming defensive or flippant when challenged over their drinking
13. Denying they are an alcoholic, reasoning that they still hold down a job or take the kids to school on time
14. Alternating alcohol and prescription pills in order that they can function
15. They may become erratic, spontaneous, angry or change their character completely whilst intoxicated
16. Difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout
17. Risk-taking, they may well drive to work or drive children to school whilst still over the limit from the previous night or from taking a morning drink

Tips on helping a functioning alcoholic

Functioning alcoholics may reason that they still hold down a job or take the kids to school on time (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

When trying to get a functioning alcoholic to accept help, it is vital that you, first of all, get them to admit they have a problem that they cannot overcome on their own.

If you have previously tried to talk to them and they have become defensive, flippant or angry, you may want to try the following tips on how to get functioning alcohol to accept help.

First, set aside a time to talk to them when they have no plans, are not in a rush and are not too intoxicated to understand what you have to say.

Preferably they will be sober but if they are alcohol dependent you will need to choose a time before they start drinking heavily.

It is often quite helpful to speak to a functioning alcoholic about their alcoholism after they have just suffered a negative consequence related to their drinking. They may be remorseful and less able to deny they have a problem.

Tell the person what you know of alcoholism, the signs and symptoms and that a person does not necessarily need to lose everything in order to be diagnosed as an alcoholic - share the signs of a functioning alcoholic with them from this page.

Explain to them that alcoholism is medically recognised as both a mental and physiological disease that is progressive in nature.

They should not feel ashamed that they suffer from an illness that requires treatment in order to overcome.

Regardless of their emotional response, try to remain calm and not argue with them.

Arguing will give them an excuse to leave the conversation and return to their drinking. Instead, try an empathetic approach and one of showing concern and support.

Explain to them how their drinking is affecting you and other family members. Give clear examples of when their drinking has affected you and others or caused concern and how you feel about their drinking.

Acknowledge to them that the condition they suffer from is probably more common than they think and that there are others who suffer just like them.

Explain to them that people suffering from an alcohol use disorder are rarely able to get better of their own accord due to their brain compelling them to drink and alcoholism being heavily characterised by relapse.

Tell them that many negative consequences that non-functioning alcoholics suffer such as loss of relationships, jobs, criminal prosecution, mental and physical deterioration, etc. are all just 'Yets' for anyone who suffers from alcohol addiction.

Give them hope by explaining that alcoholism is treatable and that a professional detox and rehabilitation programme will give them the time and space to comfortably get well.

If the conversation goes well, the functioning alcoholic admits they have a problem and they need help, it is important to act quickly and without hesitation.

In the addiction treatment field, we refer to this as a window of opportunity. It rarely lasts for very long before they shrink back into denial.

Acting swiftly and engaging professional help whilst they are receptive could well save their life. If they are not receptive and still deny they have a problem or become confrontational, drop the subject and try again on a different day.