395 - The Life of a Functional Alcoholic : The Illusion of Control

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In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we dive into the world of functional alcoholism, exploring how certain characteristics can mask the seriousness of alcohol dependency. Join us as we unravel the six key steps that often define a functional alcoholic and discuss how these factors can create barriers to seeking sobriety.
Successful Professional Life: We'll start by examining how maintaining a thriving career can provide a false sense of control and normalcy, making it difficult for individuals to recognize their addiction.
Denial and Justification: Next, we'll explore the powerful role of denial and the justifications functional alcoholics use to convince themselves and others that their drinking is under control.
Routine Drinking Patterns: We'll discuss how the establishment of regular drinking routines can disguise the extent of alcohol consumption, reinforcing the illusion of moderation.
Minimal Legal Issues: Functional alcoholics often avoid legal troubles, further feeding the belief that their drinking is not problematic. We'll look into how this lack of consequences can delay the realization of an issue.
Maintaining Relationships: Many functional alcoholics are able to keep their relationships intact, which can create a façade of stability and deter loved ones from recognizing the need for intervention.
Continued Achievements: Lastly, we'll talk about how ongoing personal and professional achievements can bolster the illusion of control and success, making it even harder for functional alcoholics to see the need for change.
Tune in as we uncover how these six steps can collectively reinforce a functional alcoholic's resistance to seeking sobriety and what can be done to break through these barriers. Whether you're personally affected or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of functional alcoholism.

[@AssyrianAngel16]

Thank YOU.. 🙏🙏🙏

[@RealRecoveryTalk.]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@tarotbymarie]

Thank you so much for talking about this because I feel like it’s not talked about enough. I was that person in sales (including fitness sales at the gym!) and it was the perfect job to have to celebrate wins at the bar or indulging in other things and I too was recognized and awarded and felt like I was doing just fine until I realized how much I was on autopilot, hating my life and feeling like I had zero purpose except for making money for the corporation and rinse and repeat. I had no zest for life and would see my coworkers around me living the same life thinking this was “just how it was”. Sitting in the rooms of AA today, you hear a lot about these miracle stories of people surviving homelessness and finding their way out of poverty etc but you rarely hear of the functioning alcoholic/addict or maybe I’m still new in the rooms but it’s definitely not talked about that much from my experience. Thank you again for touching on this and sharing your personal experiences. A lot of people out there who are going through exactly this think their lives are normal and suffering on the hamster wheel is “just the way it is” when it really doesn’t have to be and we can in fact pivot towards a life of purpose and meaning. Appreciate you both ❤💯

[@benbueno2896]

Thank you so much for sharing that! I considered it existing and not actually living!

[@RealRecoveryTalk.]

@@tarotbymarie thank you so much for the comment! If you’re interested in fitness, which sounds like you are, take a listen to Mindpump. We recently recorded with them and it will be out in the next few weeks!!