Alcoholic Boss Sabotages Office, Coworker Struggles to Cope

A worker grapples with their boss's drinking problem and the office's refusal to address it.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:03am

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An abstract, out-of-focus office scene with a warm, diffused glow from a desk lamp, conveying the emotional and visual ambiguity of a workplace struggling with a boss's alcoholism.A hazy, dreamlike office scene reflects the murky reality of a boss's alcoholism and the reluctance of coworkers to confront the issue.Greeley Today

A worker at a company is dealing with their boss, who is a 'functioning alcoholic' - meaning he manages to hold down his job despite a severe drinking problem. The worker has tried to address the issue, but their boss has lashed out at them, believing they are trying to 'take him down.' The worker feels let down by their boss and the rest of the office, who seem unwilling to face the reality of the situation. They are seeking advice on how to cope with this difficult work environment.

Why it matters

Alcoholism in the workplace can have serious consequences, both for the individual struggling with addiction and for their coworkers and the company as a whole. This story highlights the challenges of dealing with a boss's alcoholism and the reluctance of others to confront the problem, which can enable the behavior and create a toxic work environment.

The details

The worker has been 'phasing out the act of looking the other way' when it comes to their boss's drinking, which has led the boss to lash out at them. The worker feels like they are being made to look bad and are now essentially 'an enabler of his habit.' They are seeking ways to cope with the situation, unsure if they should report the boss to upper management or confront him directly.

  • Over the years, the worker has been phasing out the act of 'looking the other way' regarding their boss's drinking.

The players

The Worker

A worker at the company who is dealing with their boss's alcoholism and the office's refusal to address it.

The Boss

The worker's boss, who is described as a 'functioning alcoholic' - meaning he manages to hold down his job despite a severe drinking problem.

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What they’re saying

“It is a very sad thing to watch. Thankfully, I don't have to interact with him much.”

— The Worker

What’s next

The worker is considering reporting the boss to upper management or confronting him directly, but is unsure if that will be effective, as the boss may just 'clean up his act for a few days and then revert.'

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of dealing with a boss's alcoholism in the workplace, and the need for companies to have clear policies and support systems in place to address substance abuse issues among employees, especially those in leadership positions.