My dry drunk husband is highly "functional" at work......but forget about his responsibilities to his family and to me. The last thing he would lose is his "position". He saves his "lack of functioning" for his family and for me. I have posted here, where I felt he abandoned me this last year by refusing to pick up his part of our marriage. He was active duty air force for over 22 years. I think we have all seen movies about basics, cleaning out tiolets with toothbrushes.....or having to fold their clothes just right! This is REALLY part of their training......and he has had lots of training in the air force!
It's really up to the alcoholic when they want to be "functional". I agree with crystal226 "I guess I was just thinking it seems like that label itself is a type of enabling." At the very least it's NOT accepting reality!
Just my personal opinion. Take what you like and leave the rest.
Love and Peace,
Phoenix