Functional Alcoholics

Therefore, not only does a person obtain certain alcoholic genes from their parents, but if the parents are alcoholics, then the person is also exposed to the unhealthy living environment, giving a more likely chance to become an alcoholic as well. Having an alcoholic parent does not only affect the child’s life, but the lives of future children, if the gene is passed on. Although most alcoholics who drink too much have no control over their life; according to WebMD, “some people seem to be just fine while they abuse alcohol. Experts call these people “functional alcoholics” or “high-functioning alcoholics” (Bienvenu). These so called “functional alcoholics” can live life to the fullest, while maintaining a strong tolerance for alcohol. Even
According to Sarah Allen Benton, a licensed mental health counselor and author of “Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic,” when talking about functional alcoholics, she states, “you might think he's responsible and productive because he works every day. He could even be high achieving or powerful. In fact, his success might lead people to overlook his drinking” (Bienvenu). She continues to go on about how the alcoholic will be in denial, saying various things such as, “I have a great job, pay my bills, and have lots of friends; therefore I am not an alcoholic” or “I haven’t lost everything or suffered setbacks because of drinking” (Bienvenu). However, it’s hard to believe someone who can maintain that lifestyle, because according to Robert Huebner, from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nobody “can drink heavily and maintain major responsibilities over long periods of time. If someone drinks heavily, it is going
As for alcoholism, there is no cure; however, there is many ways to help treat it. According to WebMD, there are three main stages into treating alcoholism. Number one is Detoxification: which “may be needed immediately after discontinuing alcohol use and can be a medical emergency, as detox can result in withdrawal seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DT), and in some cases may result in death” (“Treatment of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism”). The only way to get better is to stop drinking. Stage Two is rehabilitations, “This involves counseling and medications to give the recovering alcoholic the skills needed for maintaining sobriety” (“Treatment of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism”). Medications are helpful, such as Benzodiazepines which are, “anti-anxiety drugs used to treat withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and poor sleep and to prevent seizures and delirium” (“Treatment of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism”). Lastly, the treatment program to maintain sobriety, “This step's success requires an alcoholic to be self-driven. The key to maintenance is support, which often includes regular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and getting a sponsor” (“Treatment of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism”). Alcoholics Anonymous or AA, is a help group, that helps alcoholics become abstinent. It consists of attending regular meet and greets, and a process of completing their 12 step program. The twelve steps of AA “are a group of principles,