Alcoholism

[GeauxLSU]

Okay I'm sure this will be taken wrong by some but I'm going to try it anyway.
I was having a conversation today with a coworker and he said he "was" an alcoholic. Sounds like it peaked during covid. He still occasionally drinks, but very lightly. He likes higher end Bourbons and will make a shot last 2 hours. Hasn't been intoxicated in three or so years. He has also turned into a fitness nut the last year and a half or two and has physically totally transformed. Has zero desire to drink to excess.
But it struck me, you never hear people say they "were" an alcoholic. Even if they haven't had a drop in decades. They almost always say I "am" an alcoholic.
There was a time in my life, long, long ago, where I drank way too much and too frequently. A distinctly remember the thought, "this isn't good" and pulled way back. I'm only a very light social drinker today. I go months without a drop if there's no occasion that warrants it. But I could see how it can get out of hand for people and definitely become a habit.
This is probably unfair, but it seems to me saying I "am" an alcoholic is defeatist. It's telling yourself you are not in control. It's not giving yourself credit for beating it.
Don't misunderstand, if alcohol was ever a problem for you I would never encourage anyone to test themselves if they felt they'd lapse. Everybody is different. But what is wrong with saying "I was an alcoholic and I choose to no longer drink."?
I never hear people say I'm addicted to smoking if they haven't smoked in 20 years. They generally say I'm an ex- smoker. Even if they follow it with "I still crave them."

 

[HERMET]

An addict is always an addict and it's always a battle especially when times get hard and you need something to lean on.
Quitting anything is easy...hell I must have quit smoking a thousand times (Almost as many as B Bypass ) before it finally took and I haven't had a smoke in years but there are times....
Realizing you have an addictive personality and admitting you have a problem is the first step in addressing it.

 

[BIKER13]

You say you are an alcoholic because you are. You fight the alcohol every day and I am proud to "defeat" the devil each day

 

[HERMET]

You say you are an alcoholic because you are. You fight the alcohol every day and I am proud to "defeat" the devil each day

Amen

 

[41mag]

I have heard said before “I am a drug addict but I no longer am practicing” ……
Once an addict always an addict. Be it alcohol, drugs, food, or whatever. If you can’t control it or had a time where it was a problem to control and you know that, You ARE an addict. Period.
This is my opinion.

 

[Raccoon357]

You say you are an alcoholic because you are. You fight the alcohol every day and I am proud to "defeat" the devil each day

Well said sir. May the Lord bless and keep you.

 

[LARGO9]

I drank like a fish and there was no tomorrow, 11 years ago woke up with a bad hangover, quit drinking and smoking that day and never looked back. I might have 1 beer a year and it has to be a very special day. cant remember the last beer i had. Yes i am a alcoholic

 

[letusbuyyourcar]

Okay I'm sure this will be taken wrong by some but I'm going to try it anyway.
I was having a conversation today with a coworker and he said he "was" an alcoholic. Sounds like it peaked during covid. He still occasionally drinks, but very lightly. He likes higher end Bourbons and will make a shot last 2 hours. Hasn't been intoxicated in three or so years. He has also turned into a fitness nut the last year and a half or two and has physically totally transformed. Has zero desire to drink to excess.
But it struck me, you never hear people say they "were" an alcoholic. Even if they haven't had a drop in decades. They almost always say I "am" an alcoholic.
There was a time in my life, long, long ago, where I drank way too much and too frequently. A distinctly remember the thought, "this isn't good" and pulled way back. I'm only a very light social drinker today. I go months without a drop if there's no occasion that warrants it. But I could see how it can get out of hand for people and definitely become a habit.
This is probably unfair, but it seems to me saying I "am" an alcoholic is defeatist. It's telling yourself you are not in control. It's not giving yourself credit for beating it.
Don't misunderstand, if alcohol was ever a problem for you I would never encourage anyone to test themselves if they felt they'd lapse. Everybody is different. But what is wrong with saying "I was an alcoholic and I choose to no longer drink."?
I never hear people say I'm addicted to smoking if they haven't smoked in 20 years. They generally say I'm an ex- smoker. Even if they follow it with "I still crave them."

I'm drinking vodka and club soda right now while I read this. Not making light of the situation. I'm an alcoholic or at least alcohol dependant. I switched over from beer because I felt bloated and fatter than ever a few weeks ago. I can tell you that alcoholism is worse than most other addictions since you can't even stop for gas without seeing signs for beer and wine on sale. It's everywhere you go all the time .
Now let be be on the record with saying it doesn't affect my job or other responsibilities ( that I can tell). I don't wake up needing it in the morning. I'm not a blackout drunk or mean drunk etc . In fact I would say that I haven't been really drunk in a long time. I'm what AA people would call a Maintenance Alcoholic which means I need a certain amount to get through everyday. Not the least but proud of it but that's how it is. My father was and my stepfather were . Can't blame either of them for it but it most likely is learned behavior. But then it's basically a way of life in America. The old "Work hard play hard " routine. It's complicated to say the least.
I would like to be that guy that can have a beer at a cookout or party and that would be it but I'm not. Kinda like when I used to get pain pills. My wife would wake me up in the middle of the night and ask "Are you still breathing dumbass? You can't just get a little bit high can you?" But at least these days I just don't give a **** about any kinda dope anymore. It's just not fun like it used to be and that's a good thing. Not only for me to keep living but for my finances. What can I say... partying ain't what it used to be. I think Hank Jr had a song about it.
But to your point about being an alcoholic forever yes, the AA people are a cult . I had to sit through their program when I got a DUI. I'm glad it works for some people but they are definitely gloom and doom if you try to leave. Their whole business model is to break you down to the point where you are helpless without them. I can't get on board with that.

 

[tas6691]

" the AA people are a cult . I had to sit through their program when I got a DUI. I'm glad it works for some people but they are definitely gloom and doom if you try to leave. Their whole business model is to break you down to the point where you are helpless without them. I can't get on board with that."

You know absolutely nothing about AA then.

 

[Bushwick100]

One of my brothers was a alcoholic, it started in the Marine Corps, he called one if my other bothers who was also a Marine he was talking about suicide. All my brothers got together in his home in Cleveland, OH. Took all his guns and K-bar knives, we made sue he got therapy. He does drink anymore. He retiring soon from the postal service, we really don't talk much because he's a Biden guy, and when I don't talk to my brothers I have peace of mind.