Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic ─ Breaking the Cycle and Finding Hope

When people think of the 'typical' alcoholic, images of the 'fallen-down' drunk come to mind. Most do not think of professional men and women with successful careers, vibrant families, and active social lives. However, high-functioning alcoholics exist in great numbers, are unseen, and suffer no less than their struggling, failing counterparts. In this book, Sarah Allen Benton identifies the characteristics, behaviors, and experiences of high-functioning alcoholics, and uses her own past journal entries and reflective pieces to highlight the struggles of those who cannot control their drinking even as they succeed in other areas of their lives. With a focus on active alcoholism, treatment and recovery, this book is an invaluable resource to those struggling with alcoholism, their loved ones, educators and health care professionals.

Sarah Allen Benton is a licensed mental health counselor and therapist at McLean Hospital in the "McLean Residence at the Brook" transitional living program for substance abuse treatment in Waltham, Massachusetts. Additionally, she works in private practice in the Boston area and speaks on the topic of high-functioning alcoholics to a variety of audiences. Resources on this topic are available at www.highfunctioningalcoholic.com.