The "Functioning" Alcoholic
65
"Buzzed" is not as innocent as we may think
Most think of alcoholism as falling down drunk. Not necessarily, so at all. Often times, one will not even be aware that a person is a functional alcoholic, as they function, quite well, on a daily basis. They can be very good at their jobs, as well as very creative. also, often times, you will not even smell alcohol on them.
As an example; my father was a "functional alcoholic", yet I only saw him "drunk" maybe two or three times in my life. And you know how I found out he was an alcoholic? He told me himself. Way back when I was a kid. Before the term "functioning" had come about. Not only did he tell me, but he'd openly tell anyone. Well, since this was back when many of us thought of alcoholics as "drunks", I thought to myself; "no he isn't, he just drinks a lot, and not even every day...". In fact, much of the time I wouldn't even be aware of his drinking, For the most part he was a very peaceful, warm and loving man. He was a passionate person however, so if something upset him, he'd get very annoyed, and angry. And one might say that he'd become easily annoyed by things. He was kind of "anal" about things.But, he never laid a hand on anyone. Nor did I ever fear he would. And I never knew if he'd been drinking or not.
But with any alcoholic, alcohol will affect their personalities as a whole, even whe they're completely straight. This is because alcohol is a depressant. Sure, initially it makes us feel nice, but once it wears off, we can feel really bad, and I don't mean just physically. Emotionally. Either sad, angry, easily annoyed, or all of the above. It also has an affect on blood sugar levels, which can be part of what contributes to this. But it's by no means like having a cup-cake. Let's not forget the long term, negative affect of the alcohol, itself.
The "functioning" alcoholic, may not exhibit the behavior of a full blown "drunk" , because they have built a level of tolerance, where it will take them more to feel that nice feeling, or that; "buzz". Consequently, they will consume the same amount of alcohol, as an all out "drunk". This can result in organ damage, and, or alcohol intoxication. Just because they seem okay, doesn't necessarily mean they are. It's likely that they can be walking around on a daily basis with dangerously high blood levels of alcohol, and seem perfectly fine, and able to function.
My father never did quit drinking for good. He tried a few times (although not very hard) and ultimately failed. One day he said to me; "You know, I like drinking. I'm bored when I don't drink". But you can believe, for sure, that that wasn't the only reason. It makes most, while drinking, just feel more confident, free of inhibitions. And yes, it does run in families. While I never had a problem with it, my brother did. He was/is a functioning alcoholic (Again, I had no idea, until he told me) but unlike my father, my brother hasn't had one drink in more than 4 years. Has it been easy? Heck no. But he does it. He does it because it's ultimately had a positive affect on his life. He didn't do it alone, however. He goes to daily AA meetings, and probably always will. He feels he gets so much out of them. The way I see it he has.
While my father was very up front about it, he also felt that somehow being honest, about it, made it okay. It didn't. Most, however will be in denial, make like it's no big deal, and or, like you're making a big deal out of nothing. Thus, the subject is often ignored. If something doesn't feel right, or you find yourself falling in to a pattern, get help. Weather from group, and or, individual therapy, and, or AA. Just know that it's okay to ask for help. Don't be a hero, qualified help is often necessary, in these situations. You/they don't have to be falling down drunk to be a "functioning" alcoholic.
 | Amazon Price: $3.99 List Price: $12.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.85 List Price: $12.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.00 List Price: $10.95 |
|
Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic: Professi
Current Bid: $20.66
|
|
Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic: Professional Views and Personal In
Current Bid: $20.60
|
|
An Uncommon Drunk: Revelations of a High-Functioning Alcoholic, Jeff Herten M.D
Current Bid: $17.35
|
|
Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic: Professio
Current Bid: $31.31
|
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (5)
- Funny
- Awesome (4)
- Beautiful (1)
- Interesting (2)
CommentsLoading...
Cliverleaffarm: I know, it's weird how they are able to go about life, seemingly normal. My dad, my friend, and drive??? Kind of scary. And yet, even knowing of their alcoholism, we allow it? Wow. I suppose that doesn't say much about me. I used to think about that with my dad, my friend, but obviously not a lot. My dad is now deceased, but my friend is still living, and thankfully he stopped drinking.
I have a friend who was a functioning alcoholic. It never really showed, and went on about their business as usual, including work. That was scary. Driving like that I mean.
I am not too worried at them moment, just something to keep an eye on!
Thank you for your kindness :)
Hi KikiCobain, The stereotypical drunk is more obvious. Whereas the functional alcoholic isn't. Your friend who's not a drunk, could very well be a functioning alcoholic. There are a lot of questions, and patterns that you may want to be more cognizant of. I'm glad my hub has given you some insight. If you have ever any questions that I can answer for you, pleae let me know. : )
Thanks for referring me to your article, it gave me more of an insight to my question.
I have an alcoholic in my family, but he is a stereotypical drunk. I also have a friend who drinks often, as my question stated, so i just wanted to make sure my friend was not headed down that same path.
Thank you Mr Happy. It's true. And too often because they're still "functional" it seems harmless. Often times it's not. And they are not the only victims. Loved ones, friends are too.
BTW: I love your profile pic! It's so appropriate, given your screen name. Thanks for your thoughts! : )
There are certainly degrees to everything. And regarding substances which alter the mind, I think it depends on each individual.
Alcohol is a great example. I have known people who get angry and insulting after a few drinks and I have known others who litterally pass-out after a few drinks. There are people and people ... the important part in my opinion, is to know your body and act accordingly/responsibly.
Doing anything too much ends-up being detrimental. Staring at the Sun too long will leave someone blind ...
Good write. Cheers!
Yes, it does. What they fail to realize isthat their alcoholism/behavior affects others. Loved ones , friendships amd so on. One could say that it's up to the person to change, while that's true to a degree, they're not the only victims. Marriages, relationships with kids, and friendships have been destroyed because of the "subtle" behavior. Because their not full fledged "drunks" it can be hard to tell. Thanks for your insight Duchess.
"Functioning alcoholic". That term makes so much sense to me. I know some people like this, and the difficulty is in getting them to acknowledge that it IS an issue! It doesn't make them bad people, but it does create problems.
Tammy, yet an other paralel? I never touch alcohol either, but of course that's because I'm now on blood thinners & it could be dangerous. With the expection of my college days, I never really had much interest. I've always feared losing controll. Also I was very aware that I was at a greater risk, and I already have an addictive personality. So now I just do crack..I'M TOTALLY KIDDING about that!!! ( I can almost hear gasps. Lol) Both of your parents, really? Ever go to an ACOA meeting? I haven;t but just thinking about it. We really do need a lunch together. I wonder what else we'll find... : )
Wow Jacy.. this is a great hub. Both of my parents are alcoholics. One is functioning and one never was. For this reason I will never touch alcohol. It really, really affects your life on so many levels. Well done!
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing your story American view. I'll assume you're from Manhattan? But even Long Island had bars on every block. Yeah, my dad would never drink before 12:00. But so what? My dad drank Wild Turkey at one time. Does you're Dad know that "Light"beer has nothing to fo with Alcohol content? the "light" is for lower calorie than most standard. Still the same alcohol content. Man I feel for you. My dad, didn't drink as much as it sounds like your dad did, but he was a fabulous cook, and loved cooking. He always cooked with a drink. And yet, he was very sharp, extremely intelligent, and I was always able to converse with him. That's where the confusion lies. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you so much Audrey! Exactly. That was part of the msg I wanted to get across to adult children of, any family member of, a friend of, and the actual alcohulic. That it's okay to ask for help. Qualified help. Thanks for your comment! : )
I know where exactly you are coming from. My father is an alcoholic and will never admit it. As he sees it, since he waits till noon before drinking, he is not one. But when it is noon and one second you can hear the first beer can pop. He drinks 2 to 3 cases of beer a day. When not drinking beer, he consumes at least one huge bottle of Seagrams per day. Today, he thinks it is Ok because he switched to light beer, so he thinks he can drink twice as much. I honestly do not know how the man is alive. I am sure all his organs are pickled. As you know since you are in NY and I came from NY, there are bars on every corner. It is no wonder they are the way they are. Up and awesome
Excellent hub! Alcoholism is an ugly disease, and unfortunately, we as a society can be somewhat punitive in our treatment of addiction of all kinds--Help is the key--
I believe it.
I no longer have any tolerance to answer your question. I would be well on my way to oblivion after one drink now.
Thank you so much Spirit Whisperer! There's something that pisses us off, about someone who hasn't walked in our shoes, just lecturing about a topic, when they haven't lived it. Thanks again! : ) Maybe I will post it on FB. (Just need to make sure my brither doesn't mind. Which I'm sure he wont)
This is a terrific hub and because you are writing from personal experience it has that added impact that the reader would never get if you are just lecturing from on high! You give food for thought and anyone reading this will have to think again about their relationship with alcohol. This is definitely being shared on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you.
Thank you Billybuc! It's true, once you've been clean for a time, then you have a small amount, I wonder if the tolerance you'd once built up is gone. Good for you for stopping! I hope you''re very proud, you should be. I know stopping any addiction is never easy. When we're young we think we're invinceable, if we then continue the behavior, through out our lives, eventually the delusion of not being invinceable wears off, and we're paying big time. Depending on what the addiction was, and how long the behavior's continued, we could have irreperable damage. Hopefully it never get's to that. Thanks for your comment. I think I might have noticed a hub about alcoholism, amongst your hubs, which I am going to read. : )
Excellent hub! I was able to function for years and years until the progression of the disease overran me. Now, if I were to have a drink, which isn't going to happen, I would be stumbling and incapable of function within three days. This hub needs to be read by many.
Thank you Robie2! It's true. When I'd tell people that didn't know my father that he was an alcoholic they would either get scared for me, or they'd pity me. Neither was close to being necessary. He didn't do anything about his alcoholism, though, He somehow felt that by admitting it to the world, it exemped him. It was my brother that did. Thanks for your insightful comment! : )
You bring up such a good point-- i.e. that you don't have to be an old man wiping windshields on the Bowery to be an alcoholic. I suspect that most of the alcoholics in the world are " functioning" in the sense that they are able exert at least some control over their drinking--of course since alcoholism is progressive, eventually the drinking gets worse and everybody can see the ugly face of the disease--often after it has been there for years. Kudos to your father for figuring out that he had a problem early on and doing something about it. Voting this up and awesome.
albertsj Hub Author 2 months ago
kikicobain: Okay, no problem. But just know that my door is always open....so to speak... : )