AIBU to ask people not to joke about alcoholism?

[Dollymouse]

Staff 'do'last night and I am a no-drinker and have been for some years because I am an alcoholic. This is not public knowledge at work - my boss knows because I told him, but otherwise we tend to stay anonymous. But sometimes it drives me mad when people make jokes about alcoholism! When they are drinking a lot - "I am not an alcoholic or anything" or worse when they gather around a table and jokingly introduce themselves as if in an AA meeting. I mean you would not joke about any other form of mental illness - would you? Or am I being oversensitive? It doesn't REALLY bother me - I mean - they don't know so they just think its banter - but actually its really backward isn't it?

I've had friends who have gone out and drunk and have died - alcoholism really is no joke and I've had friends who have taken their own life - its a shitty mental condition that is only relieved by drinking or recovery. I am pleased to say I choose the latter.

I also think you are being overly sensitive due to your circumstances

OP has every right to judge someone for making a joke.

No she doesn't. When you judge someone you change how you view them. You become biased. And this is her issue. Her issue is making her like this.

OP has every right to judge someone for making a joke.

No she doesn't. When you judge someone you change how you view them. You become biased. And this is her issue. Her issue is making her like this.

OP has every right to change her view of someone and become biased. We don't have thought crime in this country. She can think what she likes. Who are you, the anti judgement police?

By the way, feel free to judge me for holding this view. That's your right.

I do think people waste too much time and energy judging people for all sorts of unfair or bullshit trivial reasons but I'm with craft here. The op, or anyone can judge anyone, for whatever reason they like. It's just thoughts.

I've definitely been guilty of similar jokes OP and you're right, I wouldn't do it about any other form of illness and shouldn't do it about this one.

People make jokes we make jokes about human behaviour.

How do you know some of these people don't have a drink problem and drink with it through humour?

Or maybe they are the family of an alcoholic whose life is being slowly destroyed by their loved one choosing booze?

You have no right to judge anyone for making joke. They aren't say things like 'alcoholics are scum'

This is exactly what I was going to say. You don't know what goes on in other peoples' lives and they don't have to wear a sign that says "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" to be 'allowed' to use humour. Quite aside from that, unless it's hate speech, things like this shouldn't be off-limits for humour.

As a child of two alcoholics, I agree with you. You are NBU to feel sensitive about it. I hate listening to people make jokes about drinking. I think it can also make you feel very aware of the one thing you are trying to avoid. Well done for being so strong and I wish there was a solution I could offer.

@Dollymouse how rock solid is your sobriety. Joking about alcoholism used to bother me a lot before I stopped drinking. 10 years on, and a lot of AA work, I don’t take it personally and find it interesting/ a chance to 12 step/ or more usually a chance to think 🙄 amateurs.

I've definitely been guilty of similar jokes OP and you're right, I wouldn't do it about any other form of illness and shouldn't do it about this one.

I do not believe for a moment you have never made a joke or remark referencing any other illness. Even if you say "I could sleep for a week" it could cause distress to someone with a loved one in a coma!

I bet you do it on a regular basis. And so will the OP, about illnesses and problems that don't effect her.

Alcoholics choose to keep drinking despite crushing those around them, they don't give a fuck, a bit of piss taking that isn't even directly aimed at them is nothing compared to the havoc they cause in the lives of their loved ones.

If I choose to repeatedly make bad choices or make a fool of myself a bit of ribbing is the least I would expect.

Thanks cautionsharpblade - yes it’s that the comments are derogatory about alcoholics. It doesn’t offend me - I am used to it. I just question why people think it’s okay to joke about and I think this thread has yielded some interesting responses.

Is my sobriety rock solid? Well I haven’t had a drink for13.5 years - a day at a time.if you are like me you will know we only have today. I do all the things I need to do to stay well!

TBH I think it’s more noticeable because I have just started working for an equalities charity and alcoholism/drug addiction is like my secret identity and it is a massive part of who I am -but I think i’ll stay anonymous for now!!

Happy Christmas all xxx

Think what you like, Craft, it makes no difference to either of us whether you believe me or not. But I can't think of any jokes I make about other illnesses.

@Dollymouse it sounds like we’re in similar jobs. It’s certainly difficult looking at what could have been. Your sensitivity to jokes about alcoholism is understandable and I share it, just work on yourself.
One day at a time

Thanks Etino