I Say ‘I’m an Alcoholic’—Why Does That Bother You?

Grateful alcoholic, Karen and her faithful friend Frisco

The past two days have been filled with interactions I can’t ignore—conversations that have made me reflect deeply on why, even today, the word alcoholic stirs such strong reactions.

Why do some people find it repulsive? Why do others reject it entirely? And why, for me, was embracing it the key to my freedom?

One of those conversations was with a woman who wrote a book about positive thinking. She spoke about the power of words, emphasizing that what we say after “I am” shapes our reality. Her belief is that we should always follow “I am” with something positive.

This got me thinking. When I said, “I am an alcoholic in recovery,” I could see her discomfort. I pointed out that if I had diabetes, I wouldn’t hesitate to state it. She countered with, “I would advise people to say ‘I have diabetes,’ rather than ‘I am diabetic.’” We left the discussion open-ended, and I thanked her for her insights.

But our conversation stayed with me. Why is this term so divisive? Why do some people find it empowering while others see it as damaging?

I’ve been sober for five years now, and I still proudly say: “I am an alcoholic.” For me, admitting it lifted a weight I had carried for far too long. Owning it set me free. And yet, even in 2025, people still find this label repulsive.

Why is that? Why is saying “I’m an alcoholic” so much harder for people to accept than saying “I’m a diabetic”? The answer, I believe, comes down to shame, stigma, and the way society still misunderstands addiction.

Shame and the Fear of Labels

A friend of mine recently relapsed, and one thing they struggle with is the label itself. They hate the word alcoholic and reject it outright. But I can’t help but feel that rejecting the label is part of avoiding the reality of the situation. And I wonder—did that hesitation contribute to their relapse?

If we refuse to fully name our reality, how can we truly face it? How can we heal from something we won’t even claim? I've seen it before—when someone resists identifying as an alcoholic, they often leave the door cracked open for just one more drink, one more attempt at control. And too often, that 'one more' leads them right back into the cycle of addiction.

I’ve seen this play out in so many people who struggle with drinking. They say things like:

• “I don’t want to be an alcoholic, so I’ll just keep drinking instead.”

• “Calling myself that makes me feel bad, so I’ll pretend I don’t have a problem.”

• “I don’t fit the stereotype of an ‘alcoholic,’ so I must not be one.”

Is this what you think of when you hear the word "alcoholic"?

The truth is, words only have power if we give them power. When I finally admitted I was an alcoholic, it wasn’t a punishment—it was freedom. It meant I could stop fighting, stop hiding, and start healing. But for many, shame and stigma keep them stuck in denial.

Addiction Is Still Misunderstood

Unlike diabetes or cancer, alcoholism is still viewed as a personal failing rather than a disease. When someone says, “I’m a diabetic,” no one assumes they made bad life choices. But when someone says, “I’m an alcoholic,” people often assume the worst: that they’re reckless, weak, or morally flawed.

This is why so many people in recovery choose different language—“I’m a person in recovery” or “I had a drinking problem.” And while I respect everyone’s choice to define their recovery in their own way, I refuse to let shame dictate how I own my story.

We’ve Made Progress, But Not Enough

Yes, there’s been progress. More people are open about recovery now than ever before. But let’s be honest: most of the people breaking the stigma are celebrities. For everyday people, there’s still a very real fear of judgment, rejection, or professional consequences.

I see it firsthand all the time. People look at me in amazement when I say openly, “I’m an alcoholic in recovery.” Their reaction tells me everything: they still think I should keep it private, as if it’s something shameful.

But I’m not ashamed.

Hello, I'm Karen, a grateful alcoholic—grateful because recovery has given me a life far richer, fuller, and more meaningful than I ever thought possible.

Breaking the Stigma—One Conversation at a Time

We have a long way to go, but the only way to change things is to keep talking about it. The more we speak openly, the more we dismantle the shame.

So, I’ll keep saying it. Loudly. Proudly. Because for me, it’s not a negative label—it’s a badge of freedom.

And if just one person hears me say it and thinks, Maybe I can say it too, then I know I’m doing something right.

What do you think? Do labels like “alcoholic” hold people back, or can they be empowering? I’d love to hear your thoughts.