Functioning Alcoholic
“Functioning Alcoholic or Drug User” ???
You close million-dollar deals, lead high-performing teams, hit deadlines, and still make it to your kid’s footy/netball game. The Mortgage is paid, along with the School Fees and you can regularly afford holidays and nights out with your friends. You’re respected, admired, and successful. And at the end of each day, you unwind with a drink—or several. You tell yourself, “I’ve earned it.” “I deserve it.” And maybe you have. But at what point does this routine become something more serious?
The term “functioning alcoholic” or “functioning addict” might sound like a contradiction, but for many professionals, it’s a hidden reality. It’s a label many hide behind to justify continuing with the behaviour. On the surface looks like it’s “under control”, but is it really?
And for many it's’ not only about Alcohol. Many Professional may have become addicted to Drugs like Methamphetamine and Cocaine to help them to manage the high demands of a high pressure job.
What Is a Functioning Alcoholic and is there really such a thing?
A functioning alcoholic is often seen as someone who maintains the outward appearance of success while struggling with problematic alcohol usage. They continue to fulfill responsibilities, often exceed expectations, to maintain or appear “normal” to colleagues and friends.
The problem? Most functioning alcoholics don’t recognize the signs in themselves—because their life still appears to be under control, and they are meeting societal expectations. They often remain in addiction for longer than necessary as the lack of control on something in their lives can be hard to face. They are used to being successful at everything they do.
Signs you may be crossing the line
Ask yourself, honestly:
Do you regularly drink alone to unwind or manage stress?
Have you created rules to “control” your drinking?
Do you laugh off comments about how much you drink?
Do you ever show up to work hungover—but still get through it?
Have you tried cutting back, only to rationalize why you can’t?
Is alcohol your default for celebrating, coping, or decompressing?
The Hidden Costs of “Keeping It Together”
Even if you haven’t hit a breaking point, consider what’s being compromised:
Quality of sleep and recovery
Clarity and decision-making at work
Emotional availability at home
Health markers that quietly decline over time
True enjoyment of time off and vacations without a drink
Functioning doesn’t mean free from damage—it just means the damage hasn’t made itself unmanageable yet.
What to do if you suspect you are a “functioning Alcoholic or drug user” ?
Here’s some suggestions on how to check in with yourself—without shame or gulit:
Track Your Intake - Log how much, when, and why you drink for two weeks. Patterns reveal more than intentions.
Talk to a Professional - Therapists, coaches, and physicians can offer clarity without judgment. You don’t need to be “at rock bottom” to explore support.
Take a Break - Try going 30 days without alcohol. You’ll notice changes—in sleep, anxiety, mental clarity, and even relationships.
Open Up - Have a real conversation with someone you trust. They may see red flags you’ve ignored or normalized.
Redefine What “Functioning” Means - True functioning includes feeling present, rested, emotionally available, and fully in charge of your choices—not dependent on a crutch.
You Deserve Better Than Survival Mode
You may be holding everything together, but at what cost? If alcohol is starting to fill too many roles in your life—celebration, stress relief, boredom, loneliness, connection—it’s time to ask: what it’s costing you in return?
You don’t need to spiral to make a shift. Awareness is action. And with support, even small changes can lead to massive relief and renewed control. You deserve a life where your success, joy, and peace aren’t measured in pours.
