I functioned pretty well for a long time while I was drinking. Sticking only to weekends, and then only after work etc... I eventually got to the point I wasn't functioning at all, though. I just drank pretty much constantly and even just going to the store to buy groceries or other simple everyday things was difficult, because I was either sick or drunk. I always think of this when someone mentions "functioning alcoholic". I bet all alcoholics are able to function at first, but the longer you drink the more it takes over you life and the harder it is to function. To me that is very important to remember. It truly is progressive, in my experience.