Originally Posted by
TigerLili 
In my area, a few meetings specify that we are to keep our sharing to our problems with alcohol only. Other meetings welcome anyone. I respect the wishes of the particular meeting I'm attending.
This!
I never had any side dishes other than a little pot here and there but it never had a grip on me like alcohol. I could take it or leave it and did so for many years with no problem. Alcohol was my vise.
It does not bother me when I hear people introduce themselves as alcoholic/addict or just addict in an open meeting. I think the point is to share your issues with our addiction, how you over came them by sharing your experience, strength and hope. I don't feel getting specific during the meeting is what keeps us sober.
Now the meeting before the meeting and the meeting after the meeting, I let my hair down more. That is when the relationships and friendships are born and we find the people that we can relate to on a more specific level.