Simple test reveals if you’re a functioning alcoholic – and where to get help
BRITS are no stranger to the odd bev at the end of the day and as days get warmer, the opportunities are ample.
But good weather or not, have you find yourself reaching for booze on a regular basis?
If you’re relying on it to feel good, you’re drinking it alone and you’re even hiding your habit from your loved ones, it could be time to face the fact that you’re a functioning alcoholic.
A functioning alcoholic is defined as someone who suffers from alcoholism but is still able to carry on with day-to-day life.
They can hold down a job, play a role within a family and to most people, appear to be coping, which explains how it’s easy for the condition to be missed.
Functioning alcoholics may not fit the image of someone who is a heavy drinker – and the fact they can maintain major responsibilities despite their habit allows many to be in denial.
How do I know if I’m a functioning alcoholic?
Addiction treatment centre Northpoint Recovery says there are 20 questions you should ask yourself to find out if you’re a function alcoholic.
- Do you tend to keep your alcohol use a secret from the people you love the most?
- Do you find that you feel in control of your alcohol use?
- Do you think that you can stop using alcohol any time you choose to do so?
- Do you frequently feel that alcohol helps you to relax or unwind after a long or stressful day?
- Do you feel that drinking alcohol gives you a level of confidence that you don’t normally have?
- Do you frequently drink alcohol when you wake up, or drink it during the morning hours?
- When you drink alcohol, do you usually only consume it when you’re alone?
- When you drink alcohol, do you ever surpass the limits that you set for yourself on the amount?
- Have you ever blacked out after you have been drinking alcohol?
- Have you ever been arrested for a DUI?
- Do you often joke with others about being an alcoholic?
- Do you ever miss work because you drank too much the night before and had a hangover?
- When someone confronts you about having an alcohol problem, do you ever get angry?
- Do you ever drink while you’re taking care of your children?
- Have you ever had unsafe sex after drinking alcohol?
- Do you feel that because you have a good job, there’s no way you could be an alcoholic?
- Do you often find it hard not to think about your next drink after having your most recent drink?
- Does the thought of not having access to alcohol make you start to panic on the inside?
- Do you ever feel like you’re not quite yourself unless you’re drinking alcohol?
- Is it hard for you to imagine having fun without drinking alcohol in the process?
If you take the quiz on the Northpoint Recovery’s website, you’ll immediately be shown your results.
How and where to get help
Talking to your GP is a good place to start. Try to be as accurate and honest as possible about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.
If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, you’ll probably need some help either to cut down your drinking or stop it completely.
You might also need some support for maintaining that change afterwards.
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call Drinkline – the national alcohol helpline – for free helpline in complete confidence: 0300 123 1110. It’s open on weekdays from 9am to 8pm and on weekends 11am to 4pm.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group, whose “12 step” programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
There’s information and support options for people worried about how much alcohol they are drinking on Alcohol Change UK, in both English and Welsh.
Your GP can suggest different ways to assess your alcohol use and what support options are available to you, such as local community alcohol services, counselling and free alcohol support groups.
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or you’re part of ethnic minority groups and faith communities, there are dedicated alcohol support services you can check out.
It’s recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week – with a unit being different depending on the strength of booze you’re having.
For example, a 750ml bottle of red, white or rosé wine (ABV 13.5 per cent) contains 10 units.
Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.
The previously held position that some level of alcohol was good for the heart has been revised, NHS guidance says.