I have had any number of people bring up the term ‘functioning alcoholic‘. Is there such a thing as a functioning alcoholic? I hate to get picky, but I think the answer depends on your definition of ‘functioning’ and ‘alcoholic’. The American Psychological Association (APA) cites the #1. definition of ‘functioning’ as
“The action for which a person or thing is particularly fitted or employed.” *
The diagnostic criteria for alcoholism or alcohol dependence includes among others, including: (1) impaired control when an individual consumes larger amounts of alcohol over longer periods of time than they intend to, and when persistent desires or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control drinking are not successful despite knowledge of a persistent recurrent physical or psychological problem, and (2) alcohol use becomes incredibly important to the individual, including spending a great deal of time drinking, recovering from its effects, or when important social and occupational activities are given up or reduced because of drinking.
The italicized parts above emphasize the fact that addiction or alcoholism is singularly distinguished by an inability to control drinking or outcomes. So if we combine the definitions of ‘functioning’ + ‘alcoholic ‘we really come out with something like this:
This person (the alcoholic) is particularly suited, fiited or employed in this action, (drinking and being out of or losing control). He is unable to stop, wastes a lot of time doing it, with negative consequences.
Does this sound functional to you?
How about engaging in a relationship with a functional alcoholic? Dr. Neill Neill has a nice article on the Functioning Alcoholic and the advisability of entering into a relastionship with one. There are many related articles on his site:http://www.neillneill.com/
*Functioning. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved February 13, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/functioning
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
My husband works everyday and rarely misses a day of work, however he drinks everyday as well and almost never misses an opportunity to drink. Although our marriage and finances have becomed strained to support his habit he still drinks. Could the term functioning alcoholic refer to the one that can hold a job, sustain a family and a social life, but cannot do so without alcohol?
My question is the same as Sherray’s. My husband is a wonderful person, fantastic father, has had the same good job for 25+ yrs, pays all the bills, keeps up the house, runs a business, etc. But after 5 o’clock he checks out. He starts drinking and its to the point he can barely talk or walk. Every night for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been with him for 20+ years.
What’s the answer? He doesnt think he is an alcoholic because he takes care of everything.
Hmm.. i think they are also related to functional alcoholic because they can fulfill their functions yet they cannot control their behavior and craving for alcohol.
My husband drinks everyday – usually wine …starting with 2 glasses and ending with a whole bottle. Sometimes he drinks 2 bottles alone in our basement. When I ask about his drinking – he tells me he just needs to relax. He has a high stress job. He has never missed a day of work or ever seemed to have a hangover. It’s even hard to know he’s drunk … except for the tell-tale empty glasses & bottles.
I am a social drinker at parties and on weekends. So – I am not opposed to alcohol. I just don’t know if my husband’s drinking is normal or a sign of a problem?
alcohol is a very powerful drug… i was once a methamphetamine user… now i replaced the meth with beer. the funny thing is they are basically the same. they both make you feel good. the only differece is one makes you tired and one makes you wired. its all the same in the end………
WHATEVER YOUR POISON IS JUST STOP. IT ALL LEADS TO MISERY