Why Alcoholism But Not AlcoholicBy Michaela

Yes, it is true alcohol is addictive, and the fact that alcohol addiction is a progressive disease is also true. 

Society has relentlessly stigmatized everyone who can’t keep up with the insanity of drinking as having a problem, regardless of why they’re doing it or their conditions. 

In addition, society has established a different sickness by designating people as alcoholics and pushing the minority of the population who are prepared to confess they cannot manage their drinking to accept it.

Stop the Labeling!

Many individuals get tangled up in the label “alcoholic” and alcoholism. There are several reasons why people become addicted to alcohol. 

That should be the real focus because every person has a strong sense they desire to have a relationship with alcohol. Aside from that, below are some further arguments for not using the term “Alcoholic” anymore.

It causes a sense of shame and disgrace

As we’ve discussed previously, the term “alcoholic” has a negative connotation for those with drinking problems. 

When it comes to addiction, many people have underlying issues with their self-perception and are overly sensitive to the opinions of others. 

Remind yourself that labeling someone an “addict” or an “alcoholic” is degrading and might act as a deterrent to seeking help for their problem. 

Labels that stigmatize people prevent them from seeking help, preventing them from working on the shame that is presumably underlying their addiction.

It makes the person feel powerless

“If I’m addicted, I’ll always be addicted,” or “If I’m addicted, I’ll always be addicted.” 

People gravitate to alcohol and other substances, even when they know they’re terrible for them because they don’t appear to have any other options available to them. 

On the other hand, individuals with “an addiction” tend to consider themselves as “someone without an addiction,” as well.

Shame has a negative effect on one’s self-esteem

It’s no wonder that labeling someone with an addiction can lead to negative thoughts and feelings about themselves. 

How much more likely are we to succeed in our endeavors if we are filled with self-loathing? In all likelihood, this will never happen. 

Shame is a powerful motivator for people to continue abusing substances. Ironically, therapeutic choices are designed to avoid this, yet they often make it worse.

The person may believe that they are the problem

“Drug addict” labels eliminate the human perspective of analyzing someone with an addiction, leading to a lack of empathy. 

They are treated as an issue rather than as an individual. To make matters even worse, it is difficult for the individual to see oneself in a positive light.

It is unconcerned about anything

The “Fundamental Attribution Error,” as known in psychology, is a cognitive bias that holds that we attribute our conduct to circumstances while attributing other people’s behavior to their personalities. 

Think back to the last time a speeding car cut you off on the motorway, and the first word that came to mind was “asshole.” “I was just in a hurry” or “I had no time to look” might be acceptable excuses if you had to swerve to avoid someone. 

You might want to consider these concerning folks you categorize as “addicts.” By referring to them as such, you ignore the influence of their environment and assume sole responsibility for their conduct.

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High Functioning Alcoholics

The term “alcoholic” stigma may have come from these images. Because of the effects of alcohol on the cerebellum, people who are alcoholics stumble because the cerebellum cannot coordinate muscle movements adequately. 

High-functioning alcoholics, on the other hand, are people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol while retaining some level of professional and personal success. 

According to a federal poll, about 20% of alcoholics in the United States are high-functioning alcoholics. Many of these people are happy and prosperous in their professional and personal lives, and their loved ones may be unaware that they are struggling.

A high-functioning alcoholic may be able to maintain a profession and a family, despite having an underlying addiction to alcohol. 

Friends and family members of alcoholics with high functioning are frequently unaware of the extent of their abuse. When asked about their drinking habits, many “high-functioning alcoholics” would deny they have a problem. 

Some think getting drunk increases their chances of success since it makes them more outgoing and likable. 

People who are closest to high-functioning alcoholics are frequently oblivious of the effects of their drinking on people around them.

These people’s success is not a result of their alcohol consumption but rather their efforts. 

There are many detrimental effects of long-term alcohol misuse, regardless of one’s accomplishment. 

High-functioning alcoholics are often unable to obtain treatment because of their denial and the lack of support from their families and friends. There are still health and legal consequences for high-functioning alcoholics who drink excessively.

As depicted in popular culture, the high-functioning alcoholic is a lauded but troublesome character type. Lawyers, bankers, and ad executives are often portrayed as drinking heavily and still succeeding in popular TV shows. 

Compared to the drunkard at the bottom, the stereotype becomes even more problematic. As a result of this difference, it’s clear that there are both acceptable and terrible forms of alcohol misuse. 

This is entirely incorrect. Regardless of personal achievements or success, everyone is susceptible to the adverse effects of alcohol on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

 In terms of bodily injury, they could include damage to the liver and brain, different types of cancer, and stroke. 

Emotional distress is exacerbated by shame, stigma, and disgrace. It doesn’t matter how successful a person is; they should never be referred to as an alcoholic.

The Alcohol Coach can help. We offer science-based and inspiring coaching programs. You may also sign up for the free masterclass and access free resources that will aid you in your quest toward alcohol-free life!

Please note: Although we refer to ‘alcoholism’ and ‘recovery’ in our articles, this is because these terms are often used by others. 

The Alcohol Coach services come from the viewpoint of empowerment, mindset shift, and high-powered transformational change. 

Then there are no lifelong labels, no counting days, and pure unbounded freedom and discovery! 

Guest Post

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Hi, I'm Michela

I’m a leader in the science of transformational freedom for women, and someone previously addicted to alcohol. I have walked the path. I understand your concerns and fears. Here you will find some of my thoughts and insights. Happy browsing!

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