B2 – Upper Intermediate
The term “functioning alcoholic” is often used to describe individuals who appear to manage their alcohol consumption while maintaining their professional and personal responsibilities. Despite regularly consuming alcohol, they may still excel in their careers, maintain relationships, and fulfill daily obligations.
However, it’s essential to recognize that the term “functioning alcoholic” can be misleading. While some individuals may seem to function well despite alcohol misuse, it doesn’t mean that they are not experiencing significant negative consequences or health risks associated with their drinking.
Functioning alcoholism is considered a type of alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over drinking, and negative emotional states when not drinking. Just because someone appears to function well doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling with AUD.
Read the article below about some and be ready to answer the following questions.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What the idiomatic expression “to run the gamut” mean in the sentence, “Treatment recommendations can run the gamut from inpatient treatment to community support activity.”? Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the word “to match up” mean in the sentence, “We might find ourselves drinking very heavily, in ways that are damaging our mental and physical health, but because we don’t match up to our mental image of an ‘alcoholic,’ we don’t see ourselves, and aren’t seen by others, as having a problem.”? Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does the phrase “inflection point” mean in the sentence, “Usually there is an inflection point where the person’s dependency progresses to a state where they can no longer hide the symptoms of alcohol use disorder.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you think the stigma surrounding the term “alcoholic” affects individuals’ willingness to seek help for alcohol use disorder (AUD)?
- Do you agree with the suggestion to shift the focus from asking “Am I an alcoholic?” too “Am I happy with my drinking?” Why or why not?
- Have you encountered situations where someone’s drinking habits have affected their personal or professional life? How was it addressed, and what were the outcomes?
- How can friends and family members effectively support someone who may be struggling with unhealthy drinking habits without being confrontational or judgmental?
- In your opinion, what can be done to reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder and encourage more open discussions about seeking help and support?