When most people picture an alcoholic, they think of someone whose life is falling apart. But here’s the twist: not all alcoholics fit that stereotype. In fact, more and more people fall under the term “functioning alcoholic”—meaning they still keep jobs, pay bills, and maintain relationships, all while hiding a serious problem with alcohol.
According to the NHS, alcohol misuse is defined as drinking in a way that’s harmful or being dependent on alcohol. Both men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units per week to stay within low-risk levels. Yet, many people go far beyond that limit without realizing it.
The Subtle Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic
Dr. Iqbal Mohiuddi, a consultant psychiatrist at 25 Harley Street Day Clinic, explains that many of his patients don’t “look” like alcoholics. They’re professionals in high-powered jobs where heavy drinking is almost expected. But behind the scenes, they might be:
- Feeling sick in the mornings and needing a drink to feel “normal”
- Dealing with pressure from a partner who’s had enough of the drinking
- Hiding alcohol use while still appearing to function day-to-day
The truth? You don’t need to hit rock bottom for alcohol to be a problem.
The CAGE Test: 4 Red Flags
Experts often use the simple CAGE questionnaire to spot hidden alcohol problems. Ask yourself these four questions:
Experts say a functioning alcoholic is quite skilled at hiding their alcohol use. Credit: kaisersosa67 / Getty
- C – Cutting down: Have you ever felt you should drink less?
- A – Annoyance: Do you get annoyed when others criticize your drinking?
- G – Guilt: Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking habits?
- E – Eye-opener: Do you need a drink in the morning to calm down or feel steady?
Answering “yes” to even two of these could be a major red flag.
How Much Is “Too Much”?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as:
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- Men: More than 5 drinks in a day or 14 in a week
- Women: More than 4 drinks in a day or 7 in a week
Even if you “function,” alcohol still takes a toll. Long-term effects include high blood pressure, liver damage, memory loss, and even higher cancer risk.
Getting Help
Here’s the good news: help is available. Treatment options range from therapy and medications to reduce cravings, to structured support groups. Popular groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and Celebrate Recovery.
Experts urge you to seek help if you are a functioning alcoholic. Credit: FilippoBacci / Getty
- UK support: Drinkline (0300 123 1110), Alcohol Change UK, Al-Anon (0800 0086 811)
- US support: SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
Final Thoughts
Being a “functioning alcoholic” doesn’t mean you’re safe—it just means you’re good at hiding it. If any of the signs above sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at your drinking. The first step is awareness, and the second is asking for help. Your health—and your future—are worth it.
