We have a classic image of an alcoholic – someone who drinks too much and who cannot keep their life together because of it. The alcohol is wrecking their relationships with family, friends, infringing on their jobs and their health.
But, not all alcoholics look like this. High-functioning alcoholics have either succeeded or even over-achieved throughout their lifetimes. Outwardly, they have a happy family, an active social circle, successful career and steady income, and personal and profession accomplishments. However, below the surface, life isn’t so rosy.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction (NIAAA), of the nearly 15 million Americans with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), at least 20 percent are considered high functioning. These alcoholics tend to be middle aged, have a graduate degree, and lead high-profile, stressful professions, such as doctors, lawyers, or CEOs, among others.
According to Dr. Richard Capiola, a Psychiatrist practicing in Naples, “high-functioning alcoholics often lack insight about their drinking so struggle with their addiction in silence.” Sometimes, families or friends may be aware of the pattern drinking but enable it by not acknowledging or confronting it.
Dr. Capiola adds that high-functioning alcoholism can in fact be more dangerous than “standard” alcoholism because it may take much longer for a related consequence to arise, such as an injury, DUI, or divorce. Furthermore, because of heavy drinking and delayed treatment, high-functioning alcoholics are at a greater risk of certain cancers, liver and pancreatic diseases, and cardiovascular-related diagnoses.
Are you or is someone you love a high-functioning alcoholic?
Here’s how to identify:
• You can’t stop at just one drink
• You stash alcohol so others can’t find it
• You drink alone
• You replace meals with alcohol
• You don’t seem to get hangovers any longer due to tolerance
• You need alcohol to feel confident and social
• You obsessively think about drinking – when and where next
Here’s how to help:
Functional alcoholism is often hidden in plain sight – among your family, friends or coworkers. It is a treatable disease, and there is hope in recovery from high-functioning alcoholism before it escalates too far. Understanding alcoholism and signs of a high-functioning alcoholic is an important first step.
If you or someone you love is suffering:
• Have a sober conversation about your concerns. Be honest, non blaming or judgmental
• Visit your primary care doctor or accompany your loved one to an appointment and request a standard lab test. Blood tests can identify B12 and liver functioning levels that signal chronic drinking. Seeing the scientific and medical evidence might also help you or your loved one realize the problem and seek treatment.
• Request referrals from the primary care physician. Mental health clinicians, such as Dr. Capiola, focus on addiction and are a good source for treatment options.
Richard J. Capiola, MD
With triple board certification in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Richard J. Capiola has been in practice for 27 years. During his training at Tulane Medical School and UCLA, Dr. Capiola developed a keen interest in the treatment of depression and anxiety overlapping with drug and alcohol abuse. This focus led to his role as chief medical officer for Oglethorpe Inc., which specializes in the treatment of mental health and addiction. He has been instrumental in the clinical development and oversight of 12 specialty treatment centers in five states.
Dr. Capiola’s specialties include adult and adolescent psychiatry, treatment of anxiety, depression, and substance use problems, and forensic psychiatry, where he evaluates patients with legal issues related to mental health.
Dr. Capiola is the chief of psychiatry for Physicians Regional Medical Center and was the medical director for the Wilough at Naples for many years. He’s served 10 years with The Joint Commission, which evaluates hospitals nationwide for quality of care and safety.
Dr. Capiola was the featured neuropsychiatrist in the recent book “Don’t Give Up On Me” with Darryl Strawberry. His confidential private practice focuses on using each individual’s inherent strengths to achieve the goal of living a healthy, well-balanced life.
Richard J. Capiola, MD
239.649.7494
704 Goodlette Frank Road North, Suite 222
Naples, Florida 34102
Additional research-based information on
alcohol use and treatment can be found at
https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
How-much-is-too-much/.