Not All Alcohol Abuse Means You’re an “Alcoholic”

Are there actually as many “alcoholics” in North America where abstinence is the only option?

I truly believe that the term is thrown around far too loosely. When I realized that alcohol was impacting my life negatively, I investigated options.

To say I was disappointed is an understatement.

Everything seemed incredibly black and white. According to aa.org, the purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous is to help alcoholics achieve sobriety.

I wanted to achieve wellbeing and the thought of identifying as an alcoholic when it didn’t resonate made me angry. Worse yet, if I do not identify as one, then I’m in denial. Period.

Luckily, I knew someone who was far more holistic in their approach to substance abuse and reached out to them.

Helping Others

As a person who has worked with substance use and abuse since 2009, those seeking help were typically in a crisis state. The only answer I knew was, “Maybe it’s time to try abstinence.” or “Have you ever checked out AA?”

Welp, I attended one AA meeting throughout my sobriety… at 2 years already sober and I hated every second of it. I did not feel comfortable or safe, although I know many people who do.