Alcohol & Substance Abuse : Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic

A functioning alcoholic is typically not someone who is physically dependent, but rather someone who is psychologically or emotionally dependent on alcohol. Look for a functioning alcoholic's leisure activities to revolve around alcohol with help from a licensed mental health counselor in this free video on alcohol abuse.

This is what alcohol does...

Alcohol Addiction and PTSD

Some people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to cope with the stressful situations by resorting to drugs or alcohol addiction. This is their way of self-medicating themselves to make them feel better.

Although alcohol and drugs offer relief for a specified time, taking these substances may make their life more stressful and miserable in the long run. Drugs or alcohol addiction can even aggravate symptoms of PTSD such as irritability, anger and depression.

Using drugs or taking alcohol may control the lives of the PTSD sufferers. It may affect their relationships and cause problems in their jobs or society. Uncontrollable addiction may even cause serious health implications.

Not all people with PTSD develop drug or alcohol dependency. However, people with PTSD have a higher risk for alcohol or drug abuse, and those who have drinking problems often have PTSD.

People may be caught unaware of how alcohol addiction starts. It can begin with just a simple form of enjoyment until it becomes a habit. Soon the frequency and dosage of alcohol increases. 

Later on, they may feel that alcohol is more important than anything else. If drinking causes a problem in the family or work, or it causes people to change their behavior, it is more likely that they are already falling into the trap of addiction.

Who are more susceptible to alcohol addiction? Women who have gone through  some sort of abuse are more susceptible. If they were abused at some point in their lives, they are more vulnerable to develop drugs and alcohol abuse. 

Alcohol problem increases with people who have health issues. Three quarters of of those who survived a violent trauma in their lives are more inclined to develop an addiction to alcohol. People who went through illnesses, injuries or accidents are also more likely to have drinking problems.

War veterans over 60 years of age and have PTSD have more suicidal tendencies. Based from records, 60 to 80 percent of Vietnamese veterans who seek PTSD treatment are also suffering from alcohol abuse.  

Drinking problems can strain any relationship. People who are addicted to alcohol usually go through a psychological trauma. Dealing with people can become challenging even to those close to them.

People with PTSD and alcohol addiction suffer more stress and trauma. They also experience interrupted pattern of sleep. PTSD sufferers often have nightmares, and they think that alcohol can help them prevent the sleep issues.

To deal with the problem, people must immediately consult a doctor to help them avoid or lessen their drinking. The support of family and friends are also very important for them to manage both PTSD and addiction to alcohol.

10 Famous People You Didn't Know Had Alcohol Problems

In spite of their personal troubles with alcohol, some people managed to not only conquer their alcohol addictions, but also lead very successful lives. See 10 people who made it to the top, despite their alcohol woes.

What Alcohol Really Does...