High-Functioning Alcoholics (HFA) differ from regular alcoholics because they are responsible and can maintain healthy romantic and family relationships (substance abuse intervention). They live a double life, where one moment they can be drunk and partying, and the next be a mother and wife. Statistically, most HFAs are white and work in professional occupations such as health care provider, manager/administration, professional technicians, teachers, and salespeople. 89% of HFAs are white, 20% of managers/administrators, 20% of professional technicians, 6% of health care providers, 5% of salespeople, and 3% of teachers (Alcoholics Anonymous). The majority of HFA are also married and have children, they represent 38% while the rest are seated, 29% single, 24% divorced, 5% separated and 4% widowed (Alcoholics Anonymous). Most types of HFA have an underlying factor. such as perfectionism, multigenerational alcoholism, anxiety, smoking, or major depressive illnesses (National Institutes of Health). HFA is a semi-rare disease that affects 19.5% of alcoholics. HFA can go unnoticed for decades; it will generally not be known until a major crisis occurs, such as a DWI or accident (New York Times). It becomes very difficult to classify most people with HFA as alcoholics because they have stable jobs, good family relationships, and rarely get into trouble with the law (New York Times). Most people with HFA do not drink in public, they usually only drink when they are home alone. They are also not psychologically dependent on alcohol, only mentally, they can go weeks without drinking without withdrawing (New York Times). Some of the most remarkable people in history have been diagnosed with HFA. One of the most notable and well-known is Betty Ford, former First Lady. The fa...... middle of paper ......t Bush and Betty Ford. Recovery is a difficult road to navigate, but it can be successful if you follow the steps required by the rehab you are undergoing. Work Cited: Allen Benton, MS, LMHC, Sarah. Understanding High-Functioning Alcoholics. 1. Praeger, 2009. PrintAlcoholics, Anonymous. “AA survey shows key role of carers.” AlcoholicsAnonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous, 2006. Web. March 3, 2011. Broady, Jane E. “High Functioning, But Still Alcoholic.” New York Times (2009): n. page. Web.March 3, 2011.Intervention, drug addiction. “How to Recognize a High-Functioning Alcoholic.” AddictionIntervention 2009: n. page. Internet. March 3, 2011. “Research identifies subtypes of alcoholism. » NIH News (2007): n. page. Internet. March 3, 2011. Thompson, Leslie. “Hiding Alcoholism: The High-Functioning Alcoholic.” » Tout Dépendence (2009): n. page. Internet. March 3 2011.