Having a drink at the end of a hard day at work might be one of the best ways to end the day, but experts have warned it could be a worrying sign.

If you are known to enjoy a glass of wine after finishing your daily chores, experts have warned that this, and other habits, could indicate that you are a functional alcoholic.

The term – functional alcoholic – refers to a person who suffers from some form of alcohol addiction but is still able to carry on with his or her daily life.

According to the private rehabilitation clinic. From the motherthese people will be able to go to work, maintain a good role in their family life and, for many, it will seem that they are adjusting.

This is why it is easy for someone to not realize they have the disease, because it does not always fit the “stereotypical” mold of what people think of an alcoholic.

The clinic said the summer months offer many people the opportunity to drink more socially because, on average, most adults admit to consuming more alcohol than the winter months.

A recent survey revealed that one in three Britons increases their alcohol consumption in hot weather.

To help people during this time. The sun has posted a list of common signs to look out for with help from addiction specialists From the mother.



A woman holds a glass of wine in her hand.

What are the signs to watch out for?

  1. Drink heavily regularly after completing daily chores
  2. Saying that drinking is a way to unwind after work, a way to unwind after a hectic day with the kids or a reward
  3. He often gets drunk or smells like alcohol
  4. No sense of control when it comes to alcohol
  5. Hide alcohol in strange places, such as your car or garage.
  6. If you find yourself drinking between business hours and appointment times
  7. If you find yourself being rather grumpy if you can’t get a drink
  8. Drink regularly in the morning and at other odd times of the day.
  9. Not being able to say no to drinking at social events, as well as “preloading” before going to an event
  10. Refuse to attend any events or functions where alcohol is not in the cards
  11. When alcohol becomes a problem at home, you may sometimes even find yourself drinking alone.
  12. You become very sensitive when someone asks you about your drinking habits.
  13. total denial
  14. Alternate between drinking and taking prescription pills
  15. He becomes totally different, even angry, under the influence of alcohol.
  16. Having trouble remembering things that happened while intoxicated and sometimes experiencing “alcohol blackouts”
  17. Taking big risks, such as deciding to drive to work or school while crossing the line.


a woman drinks alone

What can you do to help a functional alcoholic?

If you already think it’s easy to spot some of these symptoms in yourself, chances are other people have noticed your drinking habits too.

According to the NHS, if you think you have a drug addiction, the best place to go first is your family doctor.

Your doctor will be able to tell you about services that may help you and it will all depend on your level of alcohol abuse.

Treatment methods can include medication and counseling, and there are also numerous charities that can help.

But, if you think someone may be showing these symptoms, Delamere says it’s essential to recognize them as soon as possible.

If you’ve tried to talk about it before but got angry and defensive, there are things you can do that could help improve the situation. Here are some tips from the experts.

1. Take the time to talk to them when they are free and in no rush to leave so you can truly express your thoughts. It is best to try this when she hasn’t been drinking, but if she is addicted to alcohol, try to allow time before she starts drinking too much.

2. It can be very helpful to tell them about your drinking habits immediately after experiencing something negative as a direct result of your drinking.

This makes them more likely to regret their actions and less able to deny that they have a problem.

3. Share with this person what you know about the disease and what the signs and symptoms may mean. When someone is diagnosed with an alcoholic, it doesn’t mean that they automatically lose everything.

4. Tell them that alcoholism is progressive and can be medically recognized as a mental and physiological illness.

It is important that they do not feel embarrassed about this, so make sure they understand that this is a disease that needs treatment to get better.



A man surrounded by empty bottles.

5. No matter how they react when you talk about it, you should try to stay calm and refrain from arguing.

Exchanging harsh words will only give them a reason to leave and continue drinking, so try to be as empathetic as possible and offer as much support as possible.

6. Explain to them exactly how their drinking habits affect their loved ones and give examples of when their behavior has caused you concern.

7. Explain that the condition likely affects many more people than they realize, and tell them that many people would have experienced the same thing.

Make it clear that people with alcohol use disorders are unlikely to recover on their own.

8. Explain the negative impacts that a non-functional alcoholic may be forced to face as a result of alcohol consumption, such as the loss of a job or a loss of relationships.

9. Show them that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that alcoholism can be cured. A professional detox and rehabilitation program will give them the treatment and time they need to improve their health.

When you speak, if it seems to be going well, you need to act quickly as soon as the person admits they have a problem.

Experts working in addiction treatment call this period the “window of opportunity”.

It may take a very short time for them to deny again, and if it looks like they’re not playing, change the subject and try to talk about it another day.

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