You have a drink every once in a while. Actually, it’s more than every once in a while. You drink every single day. Sometimes you drink without even thinking about it. You just go about your day and take a drink without even noticing. Even so, you have a job. You have responsibilities. And you stay on top of them. You don’t miss work. Maybe you drink at work, but you don’t miss work. And you get the job done. You don’t think you have a problem. But maybe alcohol isn’t the solution. Maybe the problem is that you’re a high-functioning alcoholic. And maybe, just maybe, you need alcohol detox.
Alcoholics, alcohol and alcohol abuse in Los Angeles
Here in Los Angeles, alcohol use is as old as the first boozing, drinking hard-boiled detective swaggered their way onto the screen with a hip flask and a big attitude. California, and Los Angeles more generally are known for alternative lifestyles and the “California Sober” range of alcohol alternative substances to use and abuse.
Even so, alcohol is still the most abused substance in Los Angeles. Understanding alcoholism and alcohol abuse is the best way to avoid falling victim to alcohol use disorder (the formal term for alcoholism).
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse and alcoholism, give us a call at (424) 419-3005. There’s no time to waste. Rebirth and recovery starts with alcohol detox, at New Spirit Recovery Detox.
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First, what’s an alcoholic?
Alcoholism has been with humanity for roughly as long as there has been alcohol and people around to drink it.
Alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is defined by a combination of factors related to the consumption of alcohol and its impact on an individual’s life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines criteria for diagnosing AUD. Key factors that define alcoholism include:
- Impaired Control:
- Drinking more or for a longer period than intended.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Social Impairment:
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
- Risky Use:
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically hazardous.
- Continued alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
- Pharmacological Criteria:
- Tolerance, defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
- Withdrawal, manifested by either characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol or alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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What’s a high functioning alcoholic?
A high-functioning alcoholic is an individual who appears to manage daily responsibilities and maintain a seemingly normal life while having an addiction to alcohol. Despite their ability to function in various aspects of life, they still suffer from alcoholism. Key characteristics of a high-functioning alcoholic include:
- Maintaining Employment: They often have stable jobs and may be successful in their careers, often excelling in their professional roles.
- Social Engagement: They maintain social relationships and can be charming and socially active, often masking their drinking problem from others.
- Denial and Minimization: They frequently deny the extent of their drinking problem, rationalizing their behavior and downplaying the negative impacts of their alcohol use.
- Routine Drinking: They often have a regular drinking pattern, such as drinking every evening after work, and may have rituals around their drinking habits.
- Hiding Drinking: They may hide their alcohol consumption from family, friends, and colleagues, drinking secretly or minimizing how much they drink.
- Experiencing Consequences: Despite their high functioning, they may still face consequences related to their drinking, such as health issues, relationship problems, or legal troubles, but manage to keep these issues concealed or under control to some extent.
Are you a high functioning alcoholic?
While a high-functioning alcoholic might not fit the stereotypical image of someone with severe alcohol use disorder, their condition can still lead to significant long-term health problems, emotional distress, and eventual deterioration in their ability to function effectively. Recognizing and addressing the issue is crucial for their well-being and often requires professional help and support.
If you’re a high functioning alcoholic, there’s only one solution – Alcohol Detox
If you’re a high-functioning alcoholic, there’s only one solution: Alcohol Detox at New Spirit Recovery in Los Angeles. At our Alcohol Detox Center, you’ll be able to restart your life without the dangers of alcoholism. If alcohol hasn’t destroyed your life yet, you shouldn’t wait until it does to do something about it.
Getting Alcohol Detox at New Spirit Detox’s LA Detox Center
Alcohol Detox is the best and only way to avoid the painful and often life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol Withdrawal can be scary, but at our Los Angeles Detox Center, it doesn’t have to be. It can be the first step to a better, healthier life. No matter how high functioning you are, after alcohol detox, you’ll be even better.
Do yourself this favor. Give us a call, today. (424) 419-3005
