I understand what you mean, Levi; and, it beats the heck out of me. Maybe it's because they're so new they still identify more with the drinking than with sobriety.
The thing that has always bothered me is when someone refers to themselves as "a drunk" when they have been able to stay sober for a while. I certainly was a drunk; but, I'm not anymore, and don't want to still be thought of as one.
You'll notice my user name reflects my pride in being a Jerseyite. On another board, I use jerseynonny, because I like being identified as a nonny (grandmother) from New Jersey.
I guess there are those who would say, "What's in a name?" Personally, I think quite a bit.