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. "
Sometimes people are functioning alcoholics. I was for a couple years. Never missed a day a work. I did just get up the next day down a cup of coffee and go about my business. Never had a hangover either. I just didn’t solve a murder.
Do you mind me asking if, looking back, you were truly doing your best work? And were you young and still resilient or older? The aging body in general mixed with heavy drinking really doesn’t make sense to me as a person who could jump out of bed and go.