This is an interesting conversation: the embarrassment factor associated with being an admitted alcoholic. And I get what you are getting at, Iriss. I've heard people lower their voices to mention that someone in the room--who is not drinking--has an "ahem, drinking problem." These folks doing the talking are usually drinking at the time, without a problem I assume. It reminds me of the way people used to talk about unmarried pregnant women and people with AIDS. I think it is ignorance that is fueling such talk, and fear. They want to distance themselves from perceived negative characteristics found in other people in the hope that that will make them--what? Safe, secure? We know that is a false security.
My thinking is that it is best not to think too much about the label and just work on the problem at hand--which for me is not letting myself talk myself into taking that first drink.
Thanks again for sharing.