A high-functioning alcoholic is pretty much how it sounds. These problem drinkers are able to keep their careers or home lives together as they continue with their alcohol abuse. High-functioning alcoholics might be successful in business or pillars of the community, but they drink enough to have an alcohol dependence and often conceal how much they truly consume. Some signs of a high-functioning alcoholic include: They become irritable or restless when they are unable to drink. They would rather have a few drinks instead of a meal. Stopping at one or two drinks is next to impossible. They suffer periods of memory loss or “blackouts.” They refuse to discuss their drinking or become angry when it is mentioned. They can always conjure a “reasonable” explanation for when and why they drink. They hide their alcohol or attempt to conceal how much they are drinking.