Sign you may be a functioning alcoholic can be seen in pub during England games

There’s always that person in the pub that’ll start chucking pints at any given opportunity during an England game.

And with the Euros in full swing (and the Three Lions thankfully through to the next load of matches), the invites for a beer or two are flocking in.

But while Brits fill up the beer gardens and head down to the pub for an after-work pint, all that casual drinking may not be so innocent.

Because while we might all joke about that one mate who always seems to take it too far, there is the possibility all those drinks are signally some kind of dependency.

So, an addiction expert has shared the sign that someone may be a functioning alcoholic – and it can be seen while down the pub for the football.

What is a high-functioning alcoholic?

According to UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a high-functioning alcoholic is a person ‘with an addiction to alcohol, but manages to go about their daily routine’.

Essentially, they are addicted, but they’re able to maintain their everyday lives which often leaves the problem to go under the radar.

Key sign of someone being a high-functioning alcoholic

If you’re worried your mate could be a functioning alcoholic, there’s a simple sign you can look out for while you’re at the pub.

“Initially, they intend that they will just have one or possibly two, and they may sincerely wish to believe this and tell others in your company to reaffirm this belief,” the expert explains.

“But one will always turn into more as they will inevitably find an excuse to continue drinking, whether it be another round, chatting to a new person, or an offer on beverages such as ‘happy hour.’”

Whatever the reason is, they are ‘likely to find excuses to continue drinking’ no matter what.

The expert explained the signs to look out for. (Getty Stock)

Other signs to look out for

According to the expert, high-functioning alcoholics can be aware of their drinking and have ‘deep-rooted anxiety’ over it.

“As a result, people with addiction often make excuses about their problems until they seek help,” they say.

Those justifications might include: “I work so hard. I am entitled to have fun.” Or the likes of: “I pay the bills, take my kids to school, and get to work on time. Alcoholics can’t do those things.”

Also: “I don’t get hangovers, so it is okay.”

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.