mission euphoria
mission preoccupation
mission obsession
mission delusion
mission fantasy
I wrote those without a Thesaurus, and I am not a professional writer.
Sorry, I think she used it deliberately and as a subtle stab. If I were writing a column, I would re-read it and realize that word shouldn't be used. (It's awkward, anyway."Euphoria" is more what she was talking about, is a more common useage in the context, and works better both in usage and sound.)
She does not get a pass from me on this. I also don't understand why her editor allowed it to pass...unless she really doesn't have an editor.
I've read her works -- books, columns. She didn't use inebriation as a subtle stab. I'd wager my retirement funds on it.
You're welcome to your interpretation. I disagree.