The term ‘functioning alcoholic’ is no longer widely used due to the potential stigma it carries. Using this term can downplay the severity of a person’s situation, potentially discouraging them from seeking treatment. Today, terms like Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), alcohol dependence or alcoholism are more commonly used. However, for the sake of clarity in this article, we will continue to refer to the concept as functional or functioning alcoholism.
Last Updated:
June 20th, 2025
What is ‘functioning alcoholism’?
Functioning alcoholism refers to someone who is dependent on alcohol but appears to lead a normal and productive life. These individuals may maintain steady jobs, manage relationships and handle daily responsibilities, which can make their addiction less noticeable.
Despite outward appearances, their reliance on alcohol is still a problem. Functioning alcoholics often drink excessively to cope with stress or emotions but their ability to “function” masks the severity of their addiction. Over time, this can lead to serious physical, emotional and social consequences.
Can you be diagnosed with ‘functional alcoholism’?
Since there are no official diagnostic tools to identify high-functioning alcoholism, it’s not technically possible to be classified as a high-functioning alcoholic. However, this doesn’t mean the concept isn’t real. In fact, research suggests that around 20% of people classified as alcoholics in the US are considered highly functional, meaning they’re able to maintain a successful outward appearance.
But does this make them superhuman, immune to the effects of alcoholism? The answer is a clear no.
According to the DSM-5, a person only needs to meet two or more criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) within a year to receive a diagnosis. This means someone could still manage certain aspects of their life, such as maintaining a job or keeping up appearances while meeting the criteria for addiction.
What might lead someone to feel the need to function while living with alcoholism?
To many, it might be confusing why someone living with alcoholism doesn’t simply seek help rather than endure the daily struggle to function while dealing with alcoholism. From the outside, it may seem like a straightforward decision to reach out for support. However, for those experiencing it, the reality is far more complex.
Below, we take a look at some of the most common reasons that might lead someone to feel the need to function while living with alcoholism:
For example, a parent who is active in their child’s school community might fear losing the respect of other parents if their addiction were discovered. To avoid this, they may work hard to appear as though they are in control, despite struggling internally.
For example, a parent who is active in their child’s school community might fear losing the respect of other parents if their addiction were discovered. To avoid this, they may work hard to appear as though they are in control despite struggling internally.
For instance, a person who excels at work and has a busy social life might justify their drinking by saying, “I’m not like those people who can’t hold a job. I’m fine.” This rationalisation helps them avoid facing the reality of their addiction.
For example, a single parent who juggles a demanding job and childcare might believe that addressing their addiction would leave their children unsupported. This fear can drive them to keep up the appearance of functionality at all costs.
Imagine a spouse who feels their partner won’t understand or forgive them for their drinking. Instead of risking the relationship, they may go to great lengths to conceal their alcohol use, ensuring that everything looks “normal” on the surface.
Can someone be a functioning alcoholic forever?
It’s not possible to keep up the appearance of being a functioning alcoholic forever. Alcohol addiction has a way of creeping into every part of life, even if it doesn’t seem that way right now. At first, it might feel like you’ve got everything under control, but addiction is progressive—it builds over time, quietly affecting your health, relationships and ability to perform at work or home.
Experts sometimes use the phrase “currently functioning addict” to describe someone who seems to manage despite their drinking. But this term also acknowledges that no one is immune to the growing effects of addiction and it’s only a matter of time before it starts to take its toll.
That’s why reaching out for help early is so important.
Recognising the signs of functioning alcoholism
If you’re concerned a family member may be a functioning alcoholic, understanding the signs is crucial. Functioning alcoholics might appear to manage responsibilities well but addiction can significantly impact their lives beneath the surface. Recognising these signs early can help prevent further harm.
Key signs include:
- Drinking to cope: Using alcohol to manage stress or emotions signals deeper issues.
- Hiding drinking: Concealing alcohol use or downplaying consumption reflects a lack of control.
- Increased tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel its effects indicates growing dependence.
- Frequent hangovers or health issues: Recurring hangovers or related health problems can point to excessive consumption.
- Mood swings or irritability: Alcohol affects mood, leading to defensiveness or irritability.
- Drinking at unusual times: Drinking alone or at odd hours suggests dependency.
Where can I get help for alcohol addiction?
Help for alcohol addiction is available through specialised rehab centres that provide compassionate care and tailored programmes to support your recovery journey.
These programmes typically begin with an initial assessment to understand your individual needs, followed by a detox process to help your body safely adjust to life without alcohol. Alongside detox, therapies such as CBT, group counselling and holistic treatments work to uncover and address the root causes of addiction while helping you build healthier ways to cope. Aftercare services are also there to provide ongoing guidance and support, ensuring you’re not alone in maintaining sobriety.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with alcohol addiction, reaching out for help can be a simple but important first step toward positive change. Support is available, and recovery is within reach.
Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- “Researchers Identify Alcoholism Subtypes.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 29 Sept. 2015, www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/researchers-identify-alcoholism-subtypes.
- Glauser W. “High-functioning addicts”: intervening before trouble hits. CMAJ. 2014 Jan 7;186(1):19. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.109-4667. Epub 2013 Dec 2. PMID: 24295863; PMCID: PMC3883816.
