To wonder if Alcoholic is offensive

[DownToTheSeaAgain]

Spent the afternoon talking to a LO who has alcohol addiction issues. His thought is that the term Alcoholic is offensive ( we don't refer to narcoholics for example) and that it shouldn't be a requisite of AA to say 'Hi I am X I am an Alcoholic'. I guess that I am struggling with this particularly as I can't think of another way to term things.

Any suggestions?

Everyone is offended by everything these days

What did they suggest as an alternative?

Would he prefer alcohol addict?
You don't say narcoholic no, you say drug addict.

‘Alcohol dependant’ is an acceptable alternative used by health professionals. Hope this helps.

Of course it's not offensive but it seems rather ridiculous of AA to insist on any particular wording in people who admit they have issues and want help. As long as the person can say they have an alcohol addition the actual precise wording really doesn't matter.

Alcoholic isn't used any more by professionals, as the PP said they use alcohol dependent. There's a lot of stigma and labelling associated with the term and alcohol dependent is more neutral.

Alcohol dependant is also a more accurate description of the physiological effects of long term excess drinking. The body does become dependant on alcohol. Withdrawal can be very dangerous and can cause seizures and hallucinations.
Alcohol dependant people do refer to themselves as alcoholics sometimes but I’ve never come across a healthcare professional who has used that term.

I think no matter what the terminology is your son wouldn't like it because it's not something you want to be referred as. There are a variety of different terms to use instead it's just finding one your son finds the least offensive.

In AA you say hi I'm x and I'm an alcoholic because you admitting the problem, which is the first step to recovery.

That's a novel excuse to get out of engaging with treatment.

You know @MitziK I can't help wonder this too

In AA you say hi I'm x and I'm an alcoholic because you admitting the problem, which is the first step to recovery

THIS EXACTLY

Alcoholic is the correct term. If he doesn’t like the label attached to his behavior then it’s up to him to change

Alcohol Dependant.

Nobody knows how dependant/mental health/ what the situation surrounding the person is... it is silly to use a blanket term like this, people are so quick to say 'you/he/she' is an alcoholic' without knowing the full picture.

It's why doctors don't say it.

I've been in AA for almost 10 years & initially I found it difficult to say I was an alcoholic. It's not a stipulation to say it though. Some people say they're addicts, some people just say their name.

People misunderstand alcoholic to mean someone who is an 'active' alcoholic, rather than someone in recovery.

People can use whatever terminology they want.

So does 'Recovering Alcoholic' still fit the bill or is it 'ex alcohol dependent'
My LO struggles with it all but it is my feeling that he should embrace the process and not worry about the semantics

Drs probably don't use the term Alcoholic because in my experience most of them have little or no idea about alcoholism
I say at least a couple of times a week my name is x and I am an alcoholic Can't say it bothers me in the least I am still an alcoholic although I have not touched alcohol for 15 years
Offensive hardley pretty good description
Not all heavy drinkers or even alcohol dependant people are alcoholics We are a pretty special bunch Alcoholism isn't just a physical addiction but a mental and spiritual illness
And no in AA you don't have to say I am x and I am an alcoholic if you don't want to there are no rules
Whatever you call yourself does not really matter it's what you do about it that counts

Is LO little one?

I don't say I'm an alcoholic because I haven't had a drink for nearly 6 years. I also don't say I'm a recovering alcoholic as I don't really believe in the disease theory - my personal feeling. I always had I had a problem with managing alcohol so I can't drink any, any more

I think there are a few issues about AA that dont fit for everyone. The statement name. 12 steps and maybe feels just a tad evangelical. It isnt the right path for everyone. In fact the introducing statement puts some people right off accepting help

Sorry in this case LO is loved one. Not a child. A close relative.

@DownToTheSeaAgain yes, lots of ppl say "I'm X & I'm a recovering alcoholic". I let a lot of my preconceived notions go & I just say I'm an alcoholic. I was dependent on it. Using semantics to keep you away from recovery is fairly common, but it's obviously an avoidance. The other issue in AA is the use of "God", but that's another thread! Lol. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

I don't think labelling someone 'an alcoholic' is helpful in any way.

@rosie1959 very much agree with you!

it seems rather ridiculous of AA to insist on any particular wording in people who admit they have issues and want help.

User is the op’s lo who doesn’t like using the term alcoholic, not AA.

I agree with the pp who wonders if this person is looking for excuses not to face up to his problem.

LilQuim suspect we hang out at the same sort of church halls lol

@rosie1959 someone once shared that we're like ninjas, sneaking in & out of church basements! I love that image! If you're in N London, we very well may do, in fact!!