Originally Posted by StarCat

I beg to differ.

"Functioning" is a facade for the rest of the world, it's only when one gets close that you can see the truth. "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain" is the alcoholic's motto.

XABF made $200k a year, was recognized professionally as an expert in his field, was the director of a critical branch of a worldwide professional prestigious organization, on the board of directors for a local college, sought out as a guest lecturer (and even a professor for one semester) at graduate-level classes for local colleges, and couldn't say no to cheap whiskey.

His downfall was a rapid spiral over the course of 17 months. It was aparent to those in his family who weren't in denial well before this point, but the rest of the world had no clue.

Whiskey was his constant companion for 20+ years. He could not function without a shot in the morning, a 5th in his closet, two half-pints in his trunk, and four of those tiny airline bottles (He called them "baby bottles") smuggled in his pocket. The 5th would sometimes last a few days; the others were replaced daily. He knew the business hours of 15 different liquor stores in two states like a New Yorker knows the subway schedule. It was a way of life.

"Functional" is a stage of alcoholism, and for some people it lasts longer than others. It's also the stage where it's easiest for those who know it's a problem to explain and justify why it's not.

If it's a problem for you, it's a real problem. Our instincts are smarter than the facts at this stage of alcoholism, and it's important to listen to them.