How Can You Tell if Someone is a Functioning Alcoholic?

Safe & Expert Addiction Treatment & Detox

Smarmore Offers Unrivalled Facilities and Medically Managed Detox From Drugs and Alcohol.

The only person suitable to make the diagnosis of alcoholism is a qualified health professional. However, if you suspect you, or someone you know may be a functioning alcoholic, there are signs that you can look out for:

  • If they consume over the recommended amount (more than three drinks per day, or more than seven drinks per week for women; more than four drinks a day, or 14 drinks per week for men);
  • Variability in mood, that is affected by the availability of alcohol;
  • Health problems;
  • Changes in appearance;
  • Changes in risk taking behaviour;
  • Making jokes about alcohol abuse;
  • Increased secretivity;
  • Drinking in the morning, during the day and/or on their own.

If someone meets the above criteria, it is advisable that they seek help from their GP/doctor immediately.

Free & Confidential Addiction Assessment

Taking the first step in seeking help can be very difficult, our team is here to help you.

How Many People Are Functional Alcoholics?

It is hard to collect data on this subgroup of alcoholics, because they are, by definition, more difficult to detect. However, the US’s National Institute of Health estimates that 19% of people experiencing alcohol addiction problems meet the criteria for this classification.

How We Treat Functional Alcoholism

At Smarmore Castle, patients suffering from alcohol dependency undergo a period of detox, to clear alcohol and drugs from the system. Our patients then follow a personalised treatment plan, set out by a Consultant Psychiatrist and their focal therapist, which incorporates a range of specialised addiction therapies and complementary therapies, combined with a programme of exercise and healthy meals.

Personalised Treatment

We thoroughly assess each patient in order to build a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan.
  • How to Access Rehab With Health Insurance

    For those experiencing existing mental health conditions in Ireland, there are private medical insurers who can help you cover treatment. As addiction experts, we know that receiving the appropriate care and support when you have a mental health disorder is pivotal to attaining long-lasting recovery. Below, we will go through the various health insurance options to help you understand your options when it comes to seeking private residential care for substance abuse. Please note that there is no guarantee that you can be covered for all addiction problems as policies are always assessed on a case-by-case basis. Find Out More

  • My Loved One Doesn’t Want Help, What Do I Do?

    You can’t force someone to go to rehab. At the end of the day, it needs to be their decision because they are the ones that need to be open to turning their lives around. There are ways in which you can encourage someone to enter treatment, one of these ways is via an intervention with a trained interventionist, who facilitates an honest discussion between family members and the addict. This is something Smarmore Castle can arrange – contact us today.

  • Which Drugs Does Smarmore Castle Detox From?

    We can detox people from any drugs whether they are illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ketamine; or prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines or zopiclone, oxycodone, zolpidem, klonopin, methadone, cannabis; and legal drugs such as alcohol.

  • How Long Is the Treatment Programme?

    Our treatment programme starts at 4 weeks and is flexible in length, giving you the opportunity to extend for a longer period if you need it.

  • Do You Treat Dual Diagnosis?

    All patients are reviewed by a consultant psychiatrist in the first week and we can diagnose and provide treatment for a number of co-occurring mental health conditions.

  • Do I Need to Be Abstinent Before Admission?

    Our medically managed detoxification with 24/7 medical cover means that we can perform complete and complex detoxes at Smarmore Castle. You don’t need to be abstinent before arrival.

  • How Do I Get To Rehab Safely?

    Smarmore Castle is one hour north of Dublin international airport and we can arrange a driver to collect you and bring you straight to us for free.

    We can also arrange a ‘sober transport’ service with a trusted driver, from anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland, at an additional cost.

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