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The High-Functioning Alcoholic
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Mar 10, 2009
The High-Functioning Alcoholic
An alcoholic is commonly portrayed as a slurring, stumbling bum. But alcoholics can also be high-functioning, the successful dentist or the college honor student who engages in out-of-control weekend drinking. Of the estimated 18 million Americans with alcoholism, it is thought that at least 20% are high-functioning. Some experts think the figure is even closer to 75-90%. In her book "Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic," Sarah Allen Benton brings insight to this behavior by drawing from research, interviews, and her own recovery from alcoholism. She shows that despite professional or personal successes, all alcoholics have the same disease. She joins Larry Mantle to talk about her book.

An alcoholic is commonly portrayed as a slurring, stumbling bum. But alcoholics can also be high-functioning, the successful dentist or the college honor student who engages in out-of-control weekend drinking. Of the estimated 18 million Americans with alcoholism, it is thought that at least 20% are high-functioning. Some experts think the figure is even closer to 75-90%. In her book "Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic," Sarah Allen Benton brings insight to this behavior by drawing from research, interviews, and her own recovery from alcoholism. She shows that despite professional or personal successes, all alcoholics have the same disease. She joins Larry Mantle to talk about her book.

An alcoholic is commonly portrayed as a slurring, stumbling bum. But alcoholics can also be high-functioning, the successful dentist or the college honor student who engages in out-of-control weekend drinking. Of the estimated 18 million Americans with alcoholism, it is thought that at least 20% are high-functioning. Some experts think the figure is even closer to 75-90%. In her book "Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic," Sarah Allen Benton brings insight to this behavior by drawing from research, interviews, and her own recovery from alcoholism. She shows that despite professional or personal successes, all alcoholics have the same disease. She joins Larry Mantle to talk about her book.

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report A.M. Edition
Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Associate Producer, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek