I know this is probably a common topic. For me, I’m not sure if it’s a “trope” or just totally misinformed writing, but it’s how many authors approach alcoholism. Some examples are Girl on the Train and The House Across the Lake, among HUNDREDS. If anyone else here has struggled with alcoholism, you know it’s not just "i woke up after downing an entire bottle of whiskey but was able to shower, down a cup of coffee, and solve a murder. "
I like Christopher brookmyre’s Jack parlabane books for this. His MC is scrappy and contrarian, not because of some dark past but because he just is. he’s a narky wee bollix because he was born that way. and he has ordinary friendships and a normal marriage, and he knows it.