Warning: This article contains discussions of alcoholism that some readers may find disturbing.

The weekend is a time to rest, recharge and enjoy some free time with your loved ones – and for many that means going to the nearest liquor store and downing a few.

There’s no harm in having a catch-up with your buddies over several sass pintsbut while you’re doing it, you might want to keep an eye on how many you’re putting away.

That’s because your visit to the pub can help you pick up signs that you, or someone close to you, is actually a ‘functioning alcoholicwho have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

Addiction expert Nuno Albuquerque has detailed all the red flags you should look out for to spot onefunctioning alcoholicwho might let their mask slide while they let their hair down over the weekend, as well as share their advice on how you can help them.

The counselor has helped a multitude of patients overcome their addiction problems and has nearly two decades of experience working with UK addiction treatment centre.

He believes that alcoholism, in any form, stems from trauma‘ and that there is ‘always an underlying cause of addiction’ – but in the case of those who remain high functioning, he says we can only jump-start their path to recovery by ‘understanding what drives people to’ it.

What is a high functioning alcoholic?

A high-functioning alcoholic is a person who may not fit the typical stereotype of someone who struggles with one abuse because they are so good at hiding it and keeping theirs life in order.

Albuquerque defines it as someone with “an addiction to alcohol but manages to manage their daily routine, therefore their alcohol problem disappears”.

“It can be surprising to learn that your friend, who has a good and stable job, pays their bills and is friendly and social, is secretly struggling with alcoholism,” he explained. “This is what is commonly called a high-functioning alcoholic, and most alcoholics cannot sustain this lifestyle for very long.”

Look out for signs of a high-functioning alcoholic when you’re down the pub at the weekend (Getty Images)

The former self-proclaimed former “high-functioning alcoholic” Julie McFadden spoke out about the double life she was living while she struggles with booze under wraps.

She explained that she didn’t drink every day, still had a job and had never been in prison, so those closest to her “wouldn’t have considered her an alcoholic”.

What are the signs of a high functioning alcoholic?

As we mentioned, a high-functioning alcoholic can be hard to recognize because of their ability to keep all the plates in their life spinning.

But while you’re enjoying a tipple over the weekend, there are a few red flags you can look out for.

You can start by noticing certain characteristics that your friend may exhibit, as many high-functioning alcoholics often follow the same pattern.

Albuquerque explains that people who end up on this path often have problems in their personal lives that they want to numb, or a high-pressure job that they need to escape from.

But their behavior can also be a cry for help – so if someone is “constantly justifying their drinking habits” and “can’t have just one”, the expert says it’s a sign they need some help.

He said: “High-functioning alcoholics may not act as expected, as they can continue to work and run a family home without their alcohol abuse affecting their external performance.

“Also, many people would not associate themselves with having an alcohol problem.

“But this kind of denial can creep up on those affected for years, and in the process can seriously damage a person’s relationships as well as their mental and physical health.”

Addiction expert Nuno Albuquerque explained that it can be difficult for people to get the hang of it (Getty Stock Image)

How does someone become a high functioning alcoholic?

While most of us couldn’t imagine getting through the work day feeling buzzed from the booze, high-functioning alcoholics often turn to the gadgets to help them plow on.

The addiction expert believes there are a myriad of reasons that can lead someone to rely on alcohol in this way and shared his thoughts on how this happens.

Albuquerque explained, “Life can sometimes feel stressful and painful situations can arise. For high-functioning alcoholics, drinking can offer temporary relief.

“Other people with alcoholism may find themselves in financial difficulties, or they may experience relationship problems. It can be difficult to express or manage our emotions, so people may use alcohol to ‘numb the pain.’

“Additionally, assume you have responsibilities like a job or children to take care of.

“In that case, you can use alcohol as a link to give you a perceived sense of strength to get you through difficult times.”

But he wants people to know that booze isn’t the answer to overcoming these stresses in life, even if it doesn’t seem to get in the way of your daily tasks — and believe it or not, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So if you’re struggling or see any signs that your mates might be, it’s crucial that you seek help.

Please drink responsibly. If you would like 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.