[MudAndGears]

Congratulations!

I was in the same position for most of my twenties. I did well at work, was in (mostly) good physical shape, and didn’t have any trouble rehearsing/gigging with my band. I really thought I just “liked to go out;” I’d drink when I had band practice or a gig (2-3 nights a week), then would go out on Friday and Saturday nights with my friends. That only left two nights a week to hang out with my girlfriend, so of course we’d go out to dinner or make something to eat at home and end up at a bar.

I honestly didn’t understand what denial was until I woke up one morning and realized I was an alcoholic. I quit drinking 6 years ago and could not be happier with my decision.

[analyst74]

Well, if drinking was not causing any problems for you in life, then the action itself cannot be a problem, no?

Isn't being a functioning alcoholic the same as, um, say, a foodie? or anyone with a dedicated hobby?

[UVB-76]

> Isn't being a functioning alcoholic the same as, um, say, a foodie? or anyone with a dedicated hobby?

Alcoholism tends to have a far more damaging long-term effect on a person's health than most other hobbies.

[DanBC]

Being a "functioning alcoholic" means you are i) addicted to alcohol and thus likely to be drinking much more than is healthy. Long term heavy drinking is associated with a bunch of health risks (the obvious being cirrhosis and the less obvious being some cancers).

I guess it depends how you define "alcoholic".

[plaguuuuuu]

"functional" is a low bar - impairment in memory and cognition creeps up on you, and it's possible to boil like a frog until the onset of liver failure and permanent neurological damage (eg delirium tremens) dispels that illusion.