The term “functioning alcoholic” is generally used to avoid labeling someone as a stereotypical alcoholic. Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances and often has specific stereotypes linked to abuse of it.
When picturing someone struggling with alcohol addiction, it is common to imagine a disheveled, homeless person, or someone who has lost their home, family and other possessions due to their alcohol abuse. These stereotypes are only the end result of a much longer process, and they can mislead functioning alcoholics because their lives have yet to fit these stereotypes.
Someone who uses the term “functioning alcoholic” to define themselves may be in denial about the extent of their problem. The reality is that a functioning alcoholic can still be controlled by their alcohol abuse.
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Signs Of A Functioning Alcoholic
If alcohol abuse is suspected, there are a few signs that can indicate there is a problem.
Possible signs of a functioning alcoholic may include:
if a person drinks alcohol to replace eating food.
angry or defensive reactions when someone brings up the possibility of alcoholism.
not being able to remember what happened while under the influence of alcohol.
setting drinking limits and failing to stick to them.
participating in “pre-drinking” before an evening out.
attempting to hide drinking from others.
drinking in the morning, throughout the day or while alone.
joking about the possibility of being an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is a disease that slowly develops over time, not all at once. While everyone may experience this progression differently, there are four common stages people go through when becoming a functional alcoholic.
Stage #1: Occasional Alcohol Abuse And Binge Drinking
The first stage of alcoholism is a general experimentation with the substance. Individuals in this stage may not be familiar with different types of alcohol, so they are more likely to test their limits.
This stage of alcoholism is often defined by the goal of “drinking to get drunk.” People who abuse alcohol often use it to self-medicate and escape negative thoughts and feelings. This is how problem drinking starts.
Usually, people in the first stage of alcoholism are not drinking every day, and they are still able to perform daily activities. Although drinking may not consume their thoughts, they may need to drink more to reach the desired level of intoxication.
During this stage, someone may believe they are still functioning because they have a job and they are successfully maintaining relationships. In reality, this isn’t true, because after they consume their first alcoholic drink, they usually struggle to control their drinking.
Stage #2: Increased Drinking As A Coping Mechanism
The second stage of alcoholism is defined by the mental obsession with the next drink. Many people consume alcohol in order to relax and unwind. But, those struggling with alcohol abuse may see drinking as the only way to relieve stress.
Over time, other coping skills will fade away and all negative thoughts and feelings will be addressed by drinking alcohol. At this point, people may not be physically addicted to alcohol, but they may be psychologically dependent on it.
During this stage, outward appearances don’t change much, but individuals may be routinely hungover. This is often justified by saying they just like to “cut loose and party.”
Stage #3: The Consequences Of Problem Drinking Start To Show
The third stage of alcoholism is usually identified when others begin to show concern for someone’s drinking habits. For those struggling with alcohol abuse, stage three is all about managing the consequences of their drinking.
Individuals in this stage of alcoholism may try to set boundaries for themselves, but they will be unable to stick to them. Possible boundaries can include telling themselves, or someone else, they will only have a certain number of drinks and then stop, or they will drink only beer instead of hard liquor.
During this stage, individuals may feel like they are a “functioning alcoholic,” despite all the changes alcohol has caused them to make in their lives. These changes may include a new group of friends or frequently changing jobs.
At this point, an individual’s life is centered around managing the consequences of their alcohol abuse. People may continue to compare themselves to the stereotypical alcoholics who have lost it all and assure themselves that is not who they are.
Although the consequences of problem drinking will vary from person to person, some common issues can include:
isolation
legal problems
depression and anxiety
Isolation
Isolation happens when someone becomes uncomfortable drinking in front of concerned family and friends. People may feel embarrassed by being called out and choose to start drinking alone.
Legal Problems
Another consequence of alcohol abuse is possible legal issues, such as being caught driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). This may also cause people to stay home and drink alone, increasing their isolation.
Depression And Anxiety
Prolonged alcohol abuse can also affect someone’s emotional state, causing them to feel depressed and anxious. When alcohol becomes the only way someone copes with stress or unhappiness, drinking to excess can amplify any negative emotions.