IT is easy to end up drinking too much at Christmas — and it is not always obvious if someone has a problem with alcohol.
From work festive parties to meeting up with friends and seeing family, drinking alcohol can seem like an everyday occurrence.
GettyFunctional alcoholism described people who appear to live normal lives but have alcohol dependency[/caption]
However, some people can slip into functional alcoholism — when you are able to get about your-day-to-day life seemingly normally, but have an underlying problem with booze.
A ‘functional alcoholic’ is someone who is dependent on alcohol but appears to function relatively effectively in daily life.
The term is not an official medical diagnosis but it is possible to suffer from alcohol use disorder even if someone is not showing the other signs of alcoholism, like a breakdown in their personal life.
It is not always easy to spot, but excessive drinking or drinking alone, in secret or at unconventional times can be warning signs.
Psychologist Lee Hawker-Lecesne, of The Cabin, said the term is actually a “fallacy” because it “overlooks the long-term negative consequences of alcohol abuse, both physically and mentally, even if the person appears to handle daily responsibilities”.
He said: “Alcoholics don’t function.
“At best they spend an inordinate amount of energy trying to keep up appearances. But most alcoholics will tell you this process is exhausting.
“They are often caught in a trap of leading a double life with a need to deploy complex strategies to mask what is really going on.”
Lester Morse, of Rehabs UK, added: “In most cases being able to function as someone with severe alcoholism would be impossible for most people.
“The illusion of functioning is often created by loved ones doing a large amount of enabling.
“History shows that most alcoholics start off being able to function, but alcoholism is a progressive illness and their ability to function will start to deteriorate over time.
“The appearance of being able to function can be a false flag measure of the alcohol-dependent person, and is often used as a smokescreen to hide their problem – they try to prove they do not have a problem allowing them to carry on drinking.”
Christmas risk
NHS guidelines say people should not drink more than 14 units per week — six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer.
It also advises you spread drinking evenly over three or more days if you are going to have that amount, and to keep several days drink-free as well.
More than half of us drink every week, and one in ten indulges on five or more days, according to the most recent NHS statistics from 2021.
Lee said: “Signs may include increased tolerance of alcohol, secretive drinking, and continued use despite negative consequences.
“If someone suspects a loved one is suffering it’s worth paying close attention and to observe any changes in behaviour, mood swings, or neglect of responsibilities.”
The risks can be higher around Christmas, so it’s important you know what to do if you’re worried about someone’s drinking.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and offer support, or suggest going to a professional for help, Lee said.
They [alcoholics] are often caught in a trap of leading a double life with a need to deploy complex strategies to mask what is really going on
He said: “It’s okay to express your concerns, whilst offering support, and to encourage professional help.
“The festive season can be exceptionally challenging for those with alcohol dependency due to increased social gatherings and cultural norms.
“We often see an escalation of drinking at this time of year and an increase in negative consequences.
“Supporting someone during this time is crucial, and emphasising healthier alternatives by seeking professional assistance is a good way to start.”
Mr Morse said: “The thing to understand about addiction is that it’s very complicated to understand because it knits its way into human relationships.
“Addiction thrives in isolation, the worse the problem becomes the more isolated the sufferers and their families become.
“The best advice I can give is to break that isolation, speak to a close friend and tell them the truth, join a support group like Al-Anon family group or similar to find people who understand what you’re going through and can offer support and advice.”
What are the signs to look for?
The Priory Group describes the behaviours of a functioning alcoholic and what it may be like to live with one.
It includes:
They can’t drink in moderation, but maintain the belief that they aren’t drinking to excess. They don’t appear to complain of hangovers.
They rationalise their alcohol consumption and use it as a reward. For example they may say they’re treating themselves to a drink after completing a project at work. They will find any excuse for drinking.
They say they need alcohol to relax and/or enjoy themselves after a busy day or week. At Christmas, it will be easy for a person to say they are drinking ‘because it is Christmas’.
They are unable to socialise without a drink or make excuses to avoid socialising when drinking isn’t an option. They drink more than everyone else, too, and may even obsess over drinking.
They deny that they have a drinking problem and may be flippant or joke about it. They might become defensive if challenged. It may be harder for them to see they have a problem if others around them enable them, since they do not fit the stereotype of an alcoholic.
They claim they drink expensive alcohol to ‘prove’ they don’t have a problem.
They have mood changes, appearing angry, irritable or annoyed at times. They could even see a whole personality shift once they are drinking.
They undertake dangerous behaviours such as driving under the influence of alcohol.
They drink alone, secretly or at unconventional times. Have you noticed your loved one is sneaking off for a period of time, before coming back more drunk?
They experience blackouts, having no or little memory of the day or night before, things they did or said to others.
They store alcohol in secret places, such as in their car, sheds, clothes or garage, which you may come across yourself.
They have a high tolerance to alcohol, meaning they need to drink more and more alcohol to feel any of the effects of alcohol. Perhaps you’ve noticed they can drink three drinks to everyone elses’ one, but seem on the same level.
They show signs of withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking or it is not available to them, such as nausea, headaches, fatigue, shaking, shivering and vivid dreams.
Some phrases you may also hear people with a drinking problem say include:
“I’m successful, so how can my drinking be out of control?”
“I pay my bills, have lots of friends and have a good job.”
“I only buy expensive alcohol.”
“I haven’t suffered hardship or damage to my life due to alcohol.”
“Every one drinks like I do, its normal.”
It can be difficult to broach the topic with a person if they are always defensive, or if the conversation gets out of hand.
The Priory Group says to avoid bringing up the topic when they are drunk.
Try not to appear angry, judgemental or blame, rather, remind them that you are genuinely concerned and would like to support them.
Encourage them to take a screening quiz – “someone struggling with alcoholism may find it hard to accept they have a problem if it’s just coming from your observations,” the Priory says.
The 10-question alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). A score of above 20 indicates a possible dependency.