The Semantics of Alcoholism
 

I work in the health field, so I have to deal with this more than others, so tell me if I should shut up.
BUT
Doesn't it seem odd that someone who had a problem with alcohol at any time in their past is always called a "recovering alcoholic" no matter how far in their past the problem was.
There are varying degrees of recovery, I know. Even someone who has been sober for 20 years is still labeled a "recovering alcoholic." That seems kind of lame to me. I mean, lots of people have kicked the sauce's ass, but they're still some degree of an alcoholic.
What do you think, yo?

an alcoholic in remission, it is a disease like any and one that is terminal without the right support so i think recovering alc is fine,

People call me a recovering alcoholic even though I'm drunk all the time.

I haven't heard the term "recovering" for people who have indeed kicked the sauce's ass. I only know those who refer to themselves as "recovered alcoholics".

Why's it lame?

I think it's generous if anything.

I just call them "alcoholics" regardless of how long they've been sober.

are you a recovering asshole too???

most "recovering alcoholics" understand that their "recovery" is a day to day fight until they DIE. the same goes for narcotic users who have quit or gamblers addicted to gambling. they must deal with it every day for the rest of their lives, and it does not matter how long it has been since they have drank, or gambled or shot up.

that being said, I do think we should come up with another term, one not so derogatory or at least a term without such negative associations. "alcoholic" is a harsh term, and someone who has been on the wagon for a decade deserves a term that fits what they have achieved which is a certain degree of self control.

Amystis ampulla
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Empty Bottle

Use these 2 words and we can make up a new word for recovering alcoholic :P

Edit: these 2 words are latin, everything seems to be from latin so we can make history!

I don't see a problem with the term "alcoholic." It denotes precisely what it refers to, which is an addiction to alcohol. Nothing negative in accurately terming a disease.

"Recovering," however, isn't linguistically the best term. It suggests a perpetuity of a process that, in relation to alcoholism, is either accomplished or not, and does not accurately reflect the ongoing nature of such a disease.

Now go translate that into something coherent and intelligent. The above is an example of simply posting for the sake of it.

Oh shit man you figured me out... :eek: i did it again....!!! :):fuckyou:

That was actually referring to my post, but if you'd like to usurp the fucktard title, by all means.

How about "practicing" vs. "non-practicing?"

I realize this equates it with religion rather than with disease, but as I consider religion to be a disease as well, the analogy holds up in my mind.

One could debate whether religion is a disease or addiction.

Wow. What intellectual giants we are proving to be today.

Ampystis is the new word :P

When I see your name, I get a vaguely uncomfortable sensation in my netherregions.

Just thought you should know.

This is what I have to say about this "discussion".

Actually, the term "virgin" should maybe just change to "prude" once you get past the age of about 25 or so.

Tired of those jests by now, eh? Trying to paint yourself as discerning instead?