Addiction: The myth of functional alcoholism

The myth of ‘functional alcoholism’ is one that we continuously try to dispel. This is according to Thembekile Msane from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca).

“The misnomer ‘functional alcoholism’ is described as alcohol use disorder (AUD) in a clinical sense,” explained Msane.

“People who consider themselves ‘functional alcoholics’ should be warned that this could develop into a more severe substance use disorder (SUD) if their drinking patterns become more frequent or intense.”

Symptoms of AUD can include trembling hands, numbness, loss of memory, hallucinations, and dementia.

“Even with these symptoms present, people who consider themselves functional alcoholics often believe that they are still able to fulfil their responsibilities and they will often give different reasons of why they drink, such as relieving stress.

“Some of the warning signs of AUD include appearance changes, weight fluctuations, mood swings, secretive behaviour and aggression,” explained Msane.

“People who suffer from AUD might sometimes borrow money from colleagues, friends and family or they will start to distance and isolate themselves from friends and family.”

Absenteeism

“If a loved one lies about their drinking or their behaviour and drinking patterns change, or they often experience a hangover or blackouts, this kind of pattern and behaviour requires an intervention. This intervention should create an opportunity to address the matter and get help.”

Keeping a record of the person’s drinking behaviour will assist in getting professional help for them. Employers should look out for absenteeism and the inability to stick to deadlines often as these could be signs that the person is struggling with AUD.

“This type of monitoring enables a family or employer to access the proper referral channels if they need to resort to involuntary admission for the co-occurring disorder,” explained Msane.

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“Involuntary admission should be pursued if the alcoholic can no longer help themselves and they are at risk of endangering themselves or others.”

Keeping an eye on the behaviour patterns of loved ones must start from an earlier age than most people think.
According to Msane, many children start experimenting with alcohol from as early as 10.

“AUD happens in stages, and if children start to drink this early in life, they are at risk of progressing from mild to severe alcohol abuse disorder by the time they are in their twenties,” he warned Msane.

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While it is illegal in South Africa for people under 18 to purchase or drink any form of alcohol, peer pressure often leads to the start of experimenting with alcohol.

Msane advised those who consider themselves functional alcoholics to weigh up their behaviour with the health consequences of alcohol dependency: nerve and liver damage, arthritis, gout, larynx cancer, heart failure, and irreversible brain damage.

“The incidences of AUD in South Africa are not well recorded due to a variety of complex reasons. One of these reasons is that the stigma assigned to SUD, more commonly known as addiction, prevents those suffering from an SUD to seek help.”

Conference

The fight against the stigmatisation of SUDs is one of the main drivers behind Sanca’s decision to host the Addiction Conference from July 21 to 23.

This inaugural platform will bring together SUD treatment and other healthcare professionals to collaborate with providers, policymakers and regulators to create effective and long-lasting solutions to address the public health crisis of SUDs.

For individuals, families and employers in need of assistance, Sanca may be contacted via their website at www.sancanational.info or email them at Sancanational@telkomsa.net or phone 011 892 3829.

Sanca Horizon Boksburg

The clinic in North Street, Plantation, offers help to those who need it, including adolescents, education about drug addiction and the opportunity for schools, companies and individuals to get involved or donate towards their cause.

They also offer training and workshops.

Contact Horizon Clinic on 011 917 5015, fax 011 917 1106 or email info@horizonclinic.org