When I was drinking, I had no problem heading out to a craft brewery or bar with friends after work, throwing back one or two, and having a pleasant time.
Then....hitting the liquor store on the way home and getting annihilated at home, by myself. I got away with telling friends that I was "cutting back" my drinking so I would look responsible. And at the time, I thought I *was* being responsible, by doing my "power drinking" alone at home, not driving drunk, not interacting with anyone while hammered. It was all a sham of course, because I was doing my health no favors, but it perpetuated my delusions of being a "functioning alcoholic."