Do We Ignore The Plight Of Functioning Alcoholics?

There are various terms used for alcoholism. The latest term is ‘alcohol misuse disorder’. But what does ‘functioning alcoholism’ refer to?

If you are a functioning alcoholic you don’t necessarily fit the traditional stereotype. You can be successful in many areas including your career, your family life and through a rich and varied social life. As a functioning alcoholic you may mix with other heavy drinkers to conceal your disorder, and you may even convince yourself that you don’t really have a problem.

The difficulty for friends and family who are thinking about seeking help for the functioning alcoholic is that there doesn’t appear to be anything ‘wrong’ with them. They have a job and an active social life, and outwardly they seem to be happy. If their life was falling apart an intervention may seem justified.

It’s important to remember that the functioning alcoholic is damaging their health and putting their emotional and financial welfare, as well as that of their friends and family, at risk. Friends and loved one’s need to be educated about alcohol misuse and its effects, perhaps even investing time in doing their own research.

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