People tend to think of alcoholics as homeless winos who have lost everything. That is an extreme - and a functional alcoholic would compare himself to that person. A functional alcoholic drinks all the time - yet rarely misses work, is funny and successful. On the outward appearance, they're perfectly normal - but they're hiding a secret.
Here are 4 signs you're a functional alcoholic:
1.) Denial. This is the number one sign. People seek help for their drinking problem when the consequences catch up with them - loss of job, spouse leaves them, liver problems. The functional alcoholic hasn't experienced any negative consequences - therefore, they feel they're fine.
2.) You seldom show signs you're intoxicated. A functional alcoholic can drink just as much, if not more, than a "full-blown" alcoholic - yet they've built such a tolerance for alcohol - it takes larger amounts to feel the effect. Years of drinking has erased morning hangovers. They can even drive with high blood alcohol levels. You would look at this person and never know they've had 4 or 5 beers - no outward signs.
3.) You drink at home to "unwind." When you get off work you want to relax, so you stop by a grocery or convenience store for one purpose. Alcohol becomes an award - you did well today at work, you deserve another beer. You have to keep drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms - you don't feel normal unless you drink.
4.) You're skilled at the double life. You're able to separate your professional, personal and drinking life. You have work friends, church friends, and drinking friends. You frequently change the stores you buy alcohol from, so no one would suspect you're a daily drinker. You regularly go out to the garage or shed to "work on something" - while you're really hiding how much you drink.
3 major views about alcohol from a Christian perspective:
Prohibitionists – drinking is a sin and alcohol itself is an evil.
Abstentionists – drinking is not sinful but Christians should avoid drinking out of love for others and a desire not to cause anyone to stumble. (This is what I believe).
Moderationists – drinking is not a sin and each person must let their Christian conscience guide them without judging others.
Related Posts:
3 Signs You're a Selfish Person
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Here are 4 signs you're a functional alcoholic:
1.) Denial. This is the number one sign. People seek help for their drinking problem when the consequences catch up with them - loss of job, spouse leaves them, liver problems. The functional alcoholic hasn't experienced any negative consequences - therefore, they feel they're fine.
2.) You seldom show signs you're intoxicated. A functional alcoholic can drink just as much, if not more, than a "full-blown" alcoholic - yet they've built such a tolerance for alcohol - it takes larger amounts to feel the effect. Years of drinking has erased morning hangovers. They can even drive with high blood alcohol levels. You would look at this person and never know they've had 4 or 5 beers - no outward signs.
3.) You drink at home to "unwind." When you get off work you want to relax, so you stop by a grocery or convenience store for one purpose. Alcohol becomes an award - you did well today at work, you deserve another beer. You have to keep drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms - you don't feel normal unless you drink.
4.) You're skilled at the double life. You're able to separate your professional, personal and drinking life. You have work friends, church friends, and drinking friends. You frequently change the stores you buy alcohol from, so no one would suspect you're a daily drinker. You regularly go out to the garage or shed to "work on something" - while you're really hiding how much you drink.
3 major views about alcohol from a Christian perspective:
Prohibitionists – drinking is a sin and alcohol itself is an evil.
Abstentionists – drinking is not sinful but Christians should avoid drinking out of love for others and a desire not to cause anyone to stumble. (This is what I believe).
Moderationists – drinking is not a sin and each person must let their Christian conscience guide them without judging others.
- 1 Corinthians 5:11 (drunkenness is a sin)
- 1 Corinthians 6:10 (drunkards do not go to heaven)
- Romans 13:12-14 (clothe yourself with Christ, not drunkenness)
- Luke 22:17-18 (at the Lord’s Supper)
- 1 Timothy 5:23 “use a little wine”
Related Posts:
3 Signs You're a Selfish Person
4 Keys to Disciplining Teenagers
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