Millions of people worldwide have a toxic relationship with alcohol, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a readily available addictive substance that has permeated our worldwide culture. When one thinks of the word “alcoholism,” it’s easy to picture a few stereotypes, but those aren’t the only people that can benefit from an alcohol rehab program. Alcoholism, like any other illness or addiction, can present itself in different ways.

When a loved one struggles with any addiction, it can be hard to know where to turn. If you are interested in treatment for alcoholism and other addictions in a facility with individualized care and a beautiful ocean view, contact Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach online or call us at 877.279.1777.

What Is Functioning Alcoholism?

The term “functional alcoholic,” although not commonly used as a formal diagnosis, is a phrase that people use to refer to individuals that can balance a functional life and a struggle with alcohol addiction. A functioning alcoholic will seldom miss work or other obligations due to their alcoholism, and they commonly seem to be physically and mentally healthy.

Appearances aren’t everything, though. These same functioning alcoholics are still thinking of their next drink and often feel pressure to keep their addiction a secret. Many functioning alcoholics may not even realize that they have an addiction at all. A struggle with substance use disorder, no matter how public or private, is very difficult to handle alone.

Common Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic

Like any illness, alcohol addiction can present itself to the world in different ways. When someone struggles with a dependency on alcohol, it can also be tempting to hide it from others. However, there are some more common signs that you can look out for:

Drinking longer or in larger quantities than planned – Does a drink with friends after work turn into several more often than not?
Denial – Does this person always have a response ready when their alcohol intake is brought up?
Feeling hungover when sober – Does this person experience symptoms of a hangover when they’ve been without a drink for a while?
Hiding – Does this person hide to drink or keep it a secret when they use alcohol?
High-risk behaviors while intoxicated – Is binge drinking, driving after drinking, or caring for children under the influence common?
Mealtime drinks – Do dinners and lunches out serve as an excuse to drink alcohol? Are they “drinking” their meals?
Agitation and irritability – Does this person become snippy and difficult to talk to after a period of time without alcohol?
Blackouts: Does this person experience lost time or blackouts while drinking?

Treatment for Functioning Alcoholics

An alcohol rehab program can help anyone struggling with alcohol addiction to get back on their feet and stop worrying about where their next drink will come from. Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach offers all levels of care to its clients and multiple treatment programs to meet clients’ needs:

Learn More at Oceanfront Recovery

Oceanfront Recovery offers rehabilitative care, detox, and aftercare treatments. Our small, intimate setting enables clients to get the individualized treatment they need in a beautiful location, only two blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Here, clients can focus on their needs and healing away from outside pressures, distractions, and triggers. We offer specialized treatment for alcohol addiction and other substance dependencies and extensive mental health treatment.

If the signs of functional alcoholism strike true for you or someone you love, an alcohol rehab program could be the right fit. Contact Oceanfront Recovery, located in Laguna Beach, online or call 877.279.1777 to learn more.