The Myth of the Functioning Alcoholic
Dr. Neill Neill
Is the "functioning alcoholic" some sort of mythical figure, or does he actually exist and move among us?
Mark comments in his short article entitled "A Functional Alcoholic?" on the fact people often say at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, "I was a functioning alcoholic." http://www.adozensteps.com/a-functional-alcoholic/
He argues from the perspective of a twelve-step program that there is no such thing as a functioning alcoholic.
I've maintained in other writings on alcoholism that "functioning" means three things:
- You are functioning well in all areas of your life, not just on your job.
- You are living up to your potential, not just drifting along at a level that barely keeps you employed.
- You have staying power; if you die prematurely from alcohol-related causes, whether disease, accident, suicide or homicide, you are not functioning. http://www.neillneill.com/category/alcoholism/
I don't think I've ever met such a person; have you? He must be the subject of myth!
Thanks, Mark.
Filed under Symptoms of Alcoholism by Dr. Neill Neill
Comments on The Myth of the Functioning Alcoholic »
Mark @ 6:56 pm
More than happy to be of service Neill
Thanks for the shout out… Mark
Matt @ 11:52 am
Hello Dr. Neill,
First, I responded to "Mark" at his blog regarding the "Myth of the Functional Alcoholic". I'd be interested in knowing what you think about what I said. I'm sure you'll disagree to one extent or another, but I value you opinion regardless. It may take a day or two to show up, as his comments are moderated.
Anyhow, the real reason I'm writing is: I read you article entitled "Seven Characteristics of Functioning Alcoholics…" and don't recognize any of those characteristics in myself. I think I'm just physically hooked on booze the same way I'm hooked on nicotine (currently provided by Nicorette). Have you ever seen what you would consider purely physical addiction with no underlying psychological issues?
Best,
Matt
Dr. Neill Neill @ 8:52 am
Hi Matt, Thank you for your question. I went to Mark's site and I read over the various posts back and forth between you an Mark. The proper term for alcoholism is "alcohol dependence" and that includes either physical or psychological dependence.
I'm with you on not becoming a long-term victim of anything. If you don't want to be in recover for the rest of your life, don't be.
I am a former alcoholic, not a recovering alcoholic. Perhaps I was recovering for the first 3 or 4 years, because I had to go through a lot of life changes before life stabilized. (Kids grew up and left home, wife left, surgery, counseling, left job, divorce, remarriage, new stepchildren, returned to school, self employment, all in four years from the day I quit drinking.)
I said in one of my articles that i didn't think I'd ever met an alcoholic who had no underlying psychological problems. Of course, the alcohol-dependent people I see in my work do have underlying problem. But then, doesn't everyone have problems? Surely that comes with life. Alcoholism may be supported by those problem, but might not be caused by them.
What constitutes a psychological issue? Obviously, unresolved trauma, depression and anxiety disorders would qualify. But what about bereavement? Many have become addicted after a major loss, recover from the loss, but remain addicted.
As I have pondered the question further, I think there is another category of underlying "issue" that doesn't get much press, and that is, our built-in searching for meaning, happiness and fulfillment. Could using alcohol or other drugs be a part of one's personal growth? Could it be part of a man or woman's struggle with facing who they really are on and existential level. It's possible. Is personal growth an issue? Of course it is.
However, as soon as something explains everything, it explains nothing.
Therefore, I concede that the answer to your question has to be "yes, it's possible."
May much good come from your beating your addiction and moving on!
Neill