How to Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic How to Identify the Warning Signs

If your partner’s drinking habits are concerning you, you may be feeling the need to discuss it with them but may not know what to say. It can be difficult to figure out the right way to broach the subject without upsetting them or offending them. In short, they might not feel ready to seek support until they begin to recognize the ways drinking affects their daily life and relationships. If your partner continues to deny their drinking and shows little interest in pursuing treatment, it may be worth taking a step back. You might, for instance, revisit some of your concerns about their alcohol use, including how their drinking affects you, any children or other family members, and your relationship as a whole. There’s no doubt that alcohol can seriously up your mood, but if your partner relies on a six-pack to feel better about life, it may signal some bigger issues.

Contact a Mental Health Professional

• When your spouse or partner is misusing alcohol, it’s important to see support from others, rather than going it along.
• A 2016 study notes that partners of people with alcohol use disorder often experience intense physical, psychological, and social trauma.
• If you or a loved one has experienced two or more of these criteria within the last 12 months4, it may point to a problematic pattern of alcohol abuse that could benefit from treatment.
• Verywell Mind interviewed MacKenzie Peltier, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine who specializes in substance use, for her expertise.
• That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals.

“And if withdrawal symptoms are milder, get a medical evaluation by a doctor.” After detox, your loved one will be better able to physically and mentally engage with other therapies included in their treatment plan. Whether they move from detox into residential inpatient treatment or live at home while undergoing outpatient treatment, counseling will be a huge part of their recovery process. A counselor can help uncover key issues that may have prompted your partner’s alcohol addiction and can work with them on issues that continue to fuel it.

When Is It Time to Leave a Partner with an Alcohol Addiction?

At Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), we treat alcoholism as a disease that alters brain chemistry and has negative impacts on physical health. While most people are working https://ecosoberhouse.com/ or at school, an alcoholic is drinking or at least thinking about it. They may be aware enough to know that others could perceive them as an alcoholic.

They Have a Family History of AUD

It’s important to evaluate your own health and emotional well-being at this time. You may even find that you’re shouldering more and more responsibility because they are unable to do so. Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer covering health and wellness, fitness, food, lifestyle, and beauty.

Keep in mind that they may be defensive or resistant to the idea initially, so it’s crucial to approach the conversation with a non-confrontational and supportive attitude. Find a calm and appropriate setting where you can have a private conversation without distractions. Avoid bringing up the topic when your partner is under the influence or during times of stress or conflict. The behavior and actions of how to recognize signs and symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol abuse an alcoholic partner can be unpredictable and inconsistent. They may exhibit mood swings, engage in secretive behavior, neglect responsibilities, and experience difficulties with communication and problem-solving.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

• We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
• “Addressing AUD as early as possible can help prevent further consequences, like health issues or relationship damages,” she explains.
• It can also happen quickly if you’ve experienced similar dynamics in the past.
• If a person with AUD suddenly stops drinking, they might experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
• It’s important to evaluate your own health and emotional well-being at this time.

However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking is a significant red flag for alcohol problems. If you find that your drinking is consistently interfering with your work, relationships, or personal obligations, it’s a clear sign that your alcohol consumption has become problematic. While alcohol can temporarily alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression, it often masks underlying mental health issues rather than resolving them. Over time, alcohol use can exacerbate these conditions or even trigger new mental health problems.