5 Consequences of Functioning Alcoholism We Often Ignore

Alcoholism feels like a losing battle, and it tends to play out very slowly.

Alcohol addicts living an active social life may not realize they have a problem and will go on with their life in denial, refusing to get help.

Bradley Cooper, a renowned actor, is known for his role in “The Hangover,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “A Star is Born,” has experienced ups and downs, like most of us. He is recovering from alcoholism and has been sober for over a decade.

Ben Affleck also struggled with alcoholism for much of his life but still managed to give us a great show with his acting skill. He checked into rehab multiple times but has stayed sober since 2019.

Once you get addicted to drinking, it’s difficult to stop because functioning alcoholics often convince themselves that they are not suffering from compulsive behavior.

This can negatively affect their relationships and work life. Some consequences of functioning alcoholism that can be damaging psychologically and behaviorally. Below are the most common signs of a high functioning alcoholic.

Performance at work may decline

Professionals with functioning alcohol addiction may look like they are functioning well to outsiders, but those that know them well will notice they are slacking at work.

They may start showing up late to appointments, missing deadlines, lack the discipline to conduct themselves properly towards their client, colleagues, or family, and then attribute their bad behavior to stress or illness to prevent people from finding out.

They are prone to violent behavior

Drinking contributes to two-thirds of domestic violence between spouses and a large number of child abuse cases. Alcohol addicts are more likely to be involved in domestic violence than illicit drugs.

Reports show that about half of those convicted had been drinking for six or more hours before the time of the offense. Functioning alcoholics live in denial and may not realize changes in their temperament. The frequent argument over drinking can lead to ongoing conflict and breakups.

Their stressor negatively affects their loved ones

Most children of abusive families often grow up with anxiety issues. These children develop social anxiety due to neglect and abandonment by their alcoholic parents.

Their partners may experience self-deprecation, depression, hatred toward their partner, avoiding social functions, mental exhaustion, or manifesting physical illnesses.

They develop life-threatening health crisis

Long-term alcohol consumption can disrupt brain function, as well as its structure. It can damage various parts of the brain, particularly the cerebellum, limbic system, and cerebral cortex, and can significantly affect the body’s communication pathways.

When the cerebellum, neurons responsible for motor skills. You are more likely to have a loss of balance and memory. Also, exposing you to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, liver failure, heart disease, pancreatic cancer, cardiac death, etc.

Financial problems can lead to breakups

Alcoholism can cause financial difficulties and is one of the major causes of divorce today. The cost of treatment for high-functioning alcoholics is the same as for all alcoholics.

Aside from their treatment, studies revealed that people with alcohol addiction are more likely to spend recklessly than non-alcoholic. They try to numb that feeling with shopping.

Recap of our discussion

The effects of alcohol abuse are both short and long term. Whether you are drinking for the first time or drinking daily for decades, alcohol has a pronounced effect on the body.

Long-term alcohol abuse can negatively affect the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas. Prolonged addictions can lead to a number of conditions, ranging from memory loss to nerve damage.

If you notice any warning signs of functional alcoholism and see it getting worse, it may be time to get help.

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