The functional alcoholic is often overlooked because they may seem to 'have it all together.' They generally have stable home lives, hold down a steady job, and are well educated. Families often act as enablers, making excuses for the drinking since everything seems to be attended to as needed on the surface. A functional alcoholic often denies that a problem exists and is less likely to seek help for alcohol abuse. A high-functioning alcoholic commonly leads a double life, however, and will often segregate their 'normal' life from their drinking life. Cravings for alcohol, changes in personality when drinking, and an inability to stop drinking once they start are signs of problematic drinking that can be managed with professional treatment.