As Christmas drinks season kicks into high gear, one expert is warning partygoers to keep an eye out for a subtle but serious sign of a drinking problem - and it’s something you could witness during your next pub night.
While festive pints and celebratory cocktails are all part of the holiday tradition, questions around alcohol use often creep in during this time of year.
For anyone wondering if their own habits - or those of a friend - are crossing a line, the warning signs might be clearer than you think.
What actually is a high-functioning alcoholic?
According to guidance from the UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a high-functioning alcoholic is defined as a “person with an addiction to alcohol, but manages to go about their daily routine, therefore their drinking problem goes unseen”.
In other words, it’s someone who maintains their responsibilities and lifestyle while quietly struggling with alcohol dependency.
Outwardly, things may seem fine - but there’s an ongoing internal battle that often slips under the radar.
Christmas drinks should be enjoyed in moderation. Credit: Kinga Krzeminska / Getty
The pub behavior that could be a major clue
So, what’s the one thing to watch for? It’s not how much you drink in total - it’s whether or not you can stop.
According to an expert, the biggest giveaway is the inability to call it a night after just one drink.
Instead, high-functioning alcoholics often end up staying out much longer than intended, fueled by a series of justifications.
“Initially, they intend that they will just have one or possibly two, and they may sincerely wish to believe this and tell others in your company to reaffirm this belief,” the expert writes.
“But one will always turn into more as they will inevitably find an excuse to continue drinking, whether it be another round, chatting to a new person, or an offer on beverages such as ‘happy hour’.”
It’s not just about overindulging - it’s about the mindset that makes walking away nearly impossible.
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By all means, celebrate with friends and family - as long as it's only a couple. Credit: kaisersosa67 / Getty
Excuses are part of the pattern
The expert also noted that high-functioning alcoholics may recognize their troubled relationship with alcohol but choose to avoid addressing it, often due to anxiety.
Rather than confronting the issue, they’ll lean on well-worn justifications that help normalize their behavior.
Typical excuses include: “I work so hard. I am entitled to have fun” and “pay the bills, take my kids to school, and get to work on time. Alcoholics can’t do those things”.
If those phrases sound familiar - either from yourself or someone close to you - it could be time to take a closer look at what’s really going on behind the bar tab.
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please reach out for help and contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or go to https://findtreatment.gov/