In Illinois, there are a number of people struggling with alcohol addiction. Some of these people are able to go about their day-to-day activities without anyone suspecting that they have been drinking. For example, imagine a Chicago doctor whose co-workers consider to be highly competent and hardworking. Her friends and family do not see her much because of her long work hours. She is often seen holding an alcoholic beverage at parties and events, but nobody thinks much about her drinking. After all, how could someone with a drinking problem make it through medical school and residency and hold down a challenging, fast-paced job?
After a long work week, the doctor decided to go out with her friends for a drink after work. She witnessed the death of one of her patients that day, and the stress of her job is weighing on her. While chatting with her friends, she allows herself three drinks.
Her friends do not know that she already had a drink before she arrived. Normally, the doctor gets rideshare after going out. This one time, she decides to get in her own car because she does not want to wait to be picked up. On her way home, she sees the unmistakable flashing lights of a law enforcement vehicle behind her. This hard-working doctor is now facing DUI charges in Illinois. Surprised, her family and friends find out that she has been a functional alcoholic for quite a long time.
What are the Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
A high-functioning alcoholic drinks an unhealthy amount of alcohol on a regular basis while maintaining personal and professional success. Many friends and family members of high-functioning alcoholics do not realize that their loved ones have a problem until something happens, like an arrest for a DUI, or a medical diagnosis. Many individuals struggling with high functioning alcoholism deny that they have a problem. After all, they reason, they are able to work and make a living, so how could they be addicted to alcohol? Some high functioning alcoholics even claim that drinking alcohol makes them more effective.
Other signs of high-functioning alcoholism include the following:
- Drinking when the individual had not intended to drink
- Drinking to relax or feel comfortable in a difficult situation
- Drinking in the morning
- Drinking alone
- Losing good friends due to alcohol
- Missing school or work
- Undergoing a lapse of memory while drinking alcohol
- Joking about having an alcohol problem
High Functioning Alcoholism and a DUI Charge
The hypothetical doctor in our scenario above is trying to live a responsible life, but makes one mistake that could cost her a lot. Even though most experts on addiction agree that alcoholism is a medical condition, being a functioning alcoholic is not a defense to a DUI. If you are a functioning alcoholic who is usually careful about your driving, but who made a mistake, our lawyers can help. Our committed lawyers have helped many clients struggling with alcoholism find treatment for their condition and work toward sobriety.
Contact the experienced DUI defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation. We will listen carefully to the circumstances in your case and develop an effective legal defense strategy.