Sometimes labels keep us apart, sometimes they bring us together. Sometimes labels are traps, sometimes they are the key to freedom. They are changeable and removeable, though it can take a bit of elbow grease and solvent to get rid of those last bits of stubborn adhesive...
The point I am trying to make is this...for some of us, at some points in our life it was a relief and high point to be able to stick a label firmly on OURSELVES...not being labeled by someone on the outside, but recognizing my own place among a specific group. I've found the label "addict" freeing, it's been a key for me, at this point in my life, opening doors to groups, tools, and real people that are a lifeline for me.
I have other labels I've picked up and laid down over the decades, they served their purpose. Some I may choose to wear for the rest of my life, I don't know, my perspective changes daily. I've had many surprises, and many of them have to do with labels...since I picked up my "addict" label a strange thing has happened, about 6 or 7 others just fell off! I didn't know that I was covering up my addict label with a bunch of other compulsive identity issues...and when I recognized my self as an addict, all of a sudden I didn't need those other identities that I'd been putting so much time and energy into maintaining.
So for me, right now, labeling myself "addict" has actually been very freeing and a positive step. I wasn't ready, able or prepared to do that a year ago. But I am ready now, and it was the right thing to do...for me