Lena Savoie
Alcoholism can have devastating effects on a person's physical health, emotional well-being, personal relationships, and professional life. However, many alcoholics are high-functioning, holding down jobs and maintaining households while grappling with alcohol dependence. This can lead to a delay in seeking help, as high-functioning alcoholics rarely experience a dramatic rock bottom moment. Recognizing the problem is the first step towards recovery, and it is important to seek professional help, which can range from outpatient therapy and support groups to medically supervised detox and inpatient rehabilitation. Treatment options depend on various factors, including drinking history, physical and mental health, and social support. The process of recovery from alcoholism can be challenging, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to reduce drinking or stop altogether.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Acknowledging the problem and seeking help |
| Treatment Options | Outpatient therapy, support groups, medically supervised detox, inpatient rehabilitation |
| Support Groups | Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery |
| Therapy | Online therapy services, 12-step programs, counseling, addiction specialists |
| Medication | Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Topiramate, Gabapentin |
| Relapse Prevention | Addressing stress, avoiding high-risk drinking situations, removing alcohol-related items |
| Social Support | Informing friends, family, and co-workers about your goal to stop or reduce drinking |
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What You'll Learn
Recognising the problem and seeking help
Recognising that you have a problem with alcohol is the first step towards getting better. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that affects millions of people. If you are craving your next drink, you may have AUD. Other symptoms include drinking more than you intended, spending lots of time recovering from hangovers, repeatedly failing to meet obligations, giving up important activities because of alcohol, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
If you think you may have AUD, talk to a healthcare provider. They will recommend treatments and resources to help you recover. Treatment can range from outpatient therapy and support groups to medically supervised detox and inpatient rehabilitation. Your doctor will consider several factors before offering a treatment referral, including your risk of withdrawal, your physical and mental health history, your readiness to change, your risk for relapse, and your current level of social support.
It is important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking. Think about the costs and benefits of each choice. You may want to set goals to stop or cut back on drinking and write down ideas on how to accomplish these goals, such as removing alcohol from your home and office and letting friends and family know about your goal.
Many high-functioning alcoholics delay seeking help because they rarely hit a dramatic "rock bottom". This delay can have serious medical, financial, or interpersonal repercussions, making eventual recovery more complicated. High-functioning alcoholics may prefer less disruptive treatment options, such as outpatient programs. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a sense of community, structure, and accountability.
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Outpatient therapy and support groups
High-functioning alcoholics may prefer less disruptive treatment options, such as outpatient therapy, provided they are clinically appropriate. Outpatient therapy can include behavioural treatment, which focuses on counselling to change drinking behaviour. This can be done with addiction counsellors or psychologists. Medication can also be used to treat alcohol use disorder, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, which are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Topiramate and gabapentin can also help decrease cravings.
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, offer a sense of community, structure, and accountability. These groups are for anyone struggling with alcohol use, regardless of how successful they may appear on the outside. It is important to emphasize inclusivity, as high-functioning alcoholics sometimes resist these forums out of pride or because they believe their problem is not severe.
In addition to therapy and support groups, it is beneficial to remove all alcohol and alcohol-related items from the home and office to reduce temptation. Announcing your goal to stop or cut back on drinking to friends, family, and co-workers can also help, as they can provide support and refrain from drinking in front of you.
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Medically-supervised detox and inpatient rehab
Inpatient medical detox provides a safe and controlled environment for the body to rid itself of alcohol's influence. This process gradually restores balance and helps the brain and body to function without alcohol. Medical supervision is critical for individuals with significant physical alcohol dependence, as withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and even life-threatening, including agitation, fever, seizures, hallucinations, and high blood pressure.
During inpatient detox, individuals are admitted to a facility where their progress is continuously monitored by treatment staff, and appropriate medical care is administered as needed. This typically begins with a medically supervised hospital stay of around two to three days, during which time a thorough assessment is conducted, including a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
The level of withdrawal management and intensity of care provided during inpatient detox is tailored to the individual's needs and level of physical dependence. This may include specific medications to mitigate severe withdrawal risks and complications, nutritional support and physical exercise, and psychological and behavioural counselling.
After inpatient detox, individuals are connected to outpatient addiction services and community-based after-care programs to support their ongoing recovery.
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Removing alcohol and related items from your environment
Removing alcohol and related items from your immediate environment is an important step in the recovery process. This can be a challenging but necessary step to take.
Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge that the brain's reward system is affected by alcohol, and the sight or thought of it can trigger cravings. This is why removing alcohol and related items from your surroundings is so important. Start by getting rid of all alcohol, barware, and other alcohol-related items from your home and workplace. This includes any alcohol-branded merchandise, drinking games, or anything else that might remind you of drinking.
Secondly, it is important to recognise that recovery is a gradual process, and denial can be a huge obstacle. Be prepared for the possibility of relapse, and do not be too hard on yourself if it happens. It is a common occurrence, and it does not mean you have failed. Instead, focus on understanding your triggers and developing strategies to cope with cravings.
Thirdly, consider seeking professional help. Consult your primary care doctor or a mental health professional, especially if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They can provide referrals for treatment and support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, which offer a sense of community and accountability.
Finally, let your support network know about your goal to stop drinking. Ask your friends and family to support your recovery by not drinking in front of you, and consider joining a support group to connect with others who understand your situation.
Remember, removing alcohol and related items from your environment is a crucial step in your recovery journey, and it is important to seek professional help and support along the way.
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Announcing your goal to stop drinking to friends and family
Deciding to stop drinking is a courageous step towards a healthier life. It is natural to feel nervous about announcing your goal to friends and family, but remember that you are not alone in this journey. Here are some suggestions for sharing your decision with your loved ones:
Be honest and authentic:
Be open and truthful about your decision to stop drinking. You don't have to provide detailed explanations, but sharing your reasons can help others understand your perspective. For example, you can say something like, "I just really don't like the person I am when I'm drinking, and it's impacting my relationships and mental health. I want to put my well-being first." Being honest creates a safe space for conversation and removes the stigma associated with alcohol struggles.
Choose your level of disclosure:
You can choose to share your goal with your entire social circle or confide in a select few close friends or family members. If you feel comfortable, be upfront with your social group. Otherwise, consider sharing your intention to quit or take a break from drinking with one or two trusted individuals. Remember, the more people you tell, the more accountability partners you create, which can help you stay on course.
Prepare for reactions:
Understand that your friends and family may have different reactions to your announcement. Some may be supportive, while others may not fully understand your decision. It is important to be prepared for these varied responses. If you anticipate resistance, consider having a script ready for social events where alcohol is served. For example, you can say, "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll stick to water for now. I have an early morning, and I want to be sharp."
Set clear boundaries:
Be clear about your new drinking habits and your commitment to them. If you plan to cut back, communicate how much you are willing to drink. If you intend to abstain entirely, make that known. For instance, you can say, "I'm not drinking alcohol tonight, but I'm still looking forward to spending time with you." Setting boundaries helps others understand your expectations and how they can best support you.
Focus on your well-being:
Recognize that stopping or cutting back on drinking is not easy, and be kind to yourself throughout the process. If you encounter setbacks, acknowledge them and try again. Reflect on what triggered the slip-up and decide how to handle similar situations differently in the future. Remember, relapses are common, and they don't diminish the progress you've made.
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Frequently asked questions
High-functioning alcoholics are individuals who struggle to live a normal life due to alcoholism but are able to function effectively, holding down jobs and maintaining households. They may hide their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major losses.
If you are craving your next drink, you may have alcohol use disorder. Other symptoms include continuing to drink despite it affecting your relationships, drinking more than intended, spending lots of time drinking or recovering from hangovers, and giving up social activities because of alcohol.
Treatment options include outpatient therapy, support groups, medically supervised detox, and inpatient rehabilitation. A medical professional can determine the best course of action for you. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a sense of community, structure, and accountability.
It is important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking and think about the costs and benefits of each choice. You can get rid of temptations by removing alcohol and related items from your surroundings and asking friends and family to support your recovery.
