Article: Taylor Swift’s Song “Fortnight” and the Concept of a Functioning Alcoholic
Taylor Swift’s song “Fortnight” is gaining attention for its lyrics, including the line “I was a functioning alcoholic.”
Swift, who co-wrote the track, has not confirmed whether she is singing about herself in the first single from her new album titled “The Tortured Poets Department.” However, she has discussed her decision to give up alcohol in recent months.
As Swift prepared for her blockbuster Eras Tour, she stopped drinking to meet the physical demands of the performances. Each concert on the tour, which resumes in May, lasts over three hours and features a 44-song set list with demanding choreography. Swift stated in an interview with Time in December 2023, “Doing that show with a hangover, I don’t want to know that world.”
What is a Functioning Alcoholic?
While there is no official medical term for a functioning alcoholic, the correct term used in medicine is someone who suffers from alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction, according to Dr. Lewis Nelson, a distinguished fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Informally, a functioning alcoholic is someone who drinks heavily but can still maintain their day-to-day life. However, this perception is often a misperception of reality. In reality, there is likely no such thing as a functioning alcoholic, as the consequences of alcohol use will eventually catch up with them.
People who drink heavily may develop a tolerance to alcohol and become skilled at hiding their consumption. However, this behavior will eventually lead to negative consequences such as injuries, impaired work performance, or damaged relationships.
A 2007 study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that approximately 20% of people with alcohol dependence were considered “functional.” These individuals were typically middle-aged, well-educated, and had stable jobs and families. However, the term “functional alcoholic” is now considered a misnomer because it assumes that someone with alcohol use disorder can function normally while drinking excessively.
What are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?
Alcohol use disorder, which encompasses conditions such as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism, affects nearly 30 million Americans, according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The disorder can range from mild to severe and is characterized by a craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, and anxiety when not consuming alcohol.
To assess symptoms of alcoholism, doctors may ask questions such as:
- Have you wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?
- Do you spend a lot of time drinking, being sick from it, or recovering from its aftereffects?
- Do you continue to drink despite it causing problems in your family or social life?
- Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or uneasiness, when the effects of alcohol wear off?
Another tool used to gauge alcoholism is the CAGE questionnaire, which asks if the individual has ever felt the need to cut down on drinking, felt annoyed by criticism of their drinking, felt guilty about drinking, or taken a morning eye opener (using alcohol first thing in the morning to calm nerves).
It is important to note that alcoholism does not require daily drinking. Binge drinking a few times a week can also significantly interfere with an individual’s life.
Help for Alcohol Addiction:
Seeking help for alcohol addiction is crucial. A primary care physician can be a good starting point, as they can initiate treatment or refer individuals to addiction specialists. Medication and behavioral therapies are available to assist in recovery.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides an alcohol treatment navigator and a “Rethinking Drinking” guide for those seeking assistance.
Alcohol addiction is a devastating disease that not only affects the individual but also impacts the people around them, emphasizes Dr. Lewis Nelson.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life | Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment | Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of occupational injuries and diseases |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses Taylor Swift’s decision to give up alcohol to maintain her physical health and meet the demands of her concert tour. This relates to the goal of promoting good health and well-being.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article mentions that excessive alcohol use comes with serious health risks, especially for women. This highlights the need to address gender disparities in alcohol-related health issues.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions Taylor Swift’s rigorous concert tour, which requires physical stamina and demanding choreography. This connects to the goal of promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
The article discusses Taylor Swift’s decision to give up alcohol, highlighting the importance of addressing alcohol addiction and promoting treatment interventions for substance use disorders.
Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
The article mentions that excessive alcohol use poses serious health risks, especially for women. This emphasizes the need to ensure equal opportunities for women in decision-making processes related to alcohol policies and healthcare.
Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
The article highlights Taylor Swift’s physically demanding concert tour and the need for her to maintain her physical health. This relates to the target of promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers, including those in the entertainment industry.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to the identified targets. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress include:
– Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders.
– Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
– Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of occupational injuries and diseases.
These indicators can help track the implementation of interventions to address substance abuse, promote gender equality, and ensure safe working environments.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life | Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment | Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of occupational injuries and diseases |
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Fuente: today.com
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