I have created this blog to increase awareness about high-functioning alcoholics (HFAs) and to help to change the stereotype of the "typical" alcoholic. Alcoholics all suffer from the same disease, but it manifests in different ways. The homeless person and the high-powered executive can both be alcoholics-alcoholism does not differentiate among socioeconomic class, race, education level and appearance. However, because the HFA has the ability to perform and succeed, the treatment often comes too late or not at all.

This blog came to fruition as a result of my book Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic: Professional Views and Personal Insights to be released March 1, 2009 (www.highfunctioningalcoholic.com).

Professionally as a therapist, I hope to help others make sense of their own alcoholism or that of a loved one, because they do not fit the "skid row" alcoholic image that remains so pervasive in our society. I want to show that being successful and being alcoholic are not mutually exclusive, but that HFAs need help regardless of their seeming exterior success and functioning. My aim is to help end the denial that so many HFAs and their loved ones have, because these individuals are able to succeed in so many areas of their lives. Personally as a sober alcoholic, a blog such as this and my book are something that I could have used throughout my recovery.