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. "
Thanks for explaining this. I never had trouble believing the trope in the books because my stepdad WAS a functional alcoholic. He was a fireman and would start drinking as soon as he got up and never seemed to suffer any consequences for it, just the rest of us around him did.