High-functioning alcoholic
A high-functioning alcoholic (HFA) is a person who maintains jobs and relationships while meeting criteria for having an alcohol use disorder.[1][2][3][4]
High-functional alcoholics account for 19.5 percent of total U.S. alcoholics.[5] Statistics from the Harvard School of Public Health indicated that 31 percent of college students show signs of alcohol use disorder and six percent are dependent on alcohol. Doctors hope that the new definition will help identify severe cases of alcohol use disorder early, rather than when the problem is fully developed.[6]
Many HFAs are not viewed as alcoholics by society because they do not fit the common alcoholic stereotype. Unlike the stereotypical alcoholic, HFAs have either succeeded or over-achieved throughout their lifetimes. This can lead to denial of alcohol use disorder by the HFA, co-workers, family members, and friends. Functional alcoholics account for 19.5 percent of total U.S. alcoholics, with 50 percent also being smokers and 33 percent having a multigenerational family history of alcohol use disorder.[5]
References[]
- ^ Benton, Sarah Allen (2009). Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic – Professional Views and Personal Insights. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-35280-5.
- ^ Brody, Jane (May 4, 2009). "High Functioning, but Still Alcoholics". The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
- ^ "Understanding High Functioning Alcoholics". Psychology Today.
- ^ "What is a High Functioning Alcoholic? | Definition & Signs". Alcohol.org. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ^ a b National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (June 28, 2007). "Researchers Identify Alcoholic Subtypes" (Press release). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
- ^ Sanderson, Megan (May 22, 2012). "About 37 percent of college students could now be considered alcoholics". Daily Emerald. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
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