I remember hating the term too. Bear in mind, I had some odd thought and beliefs that I thought went with the word. When I found out what being an alcoholic really DID mean and let of of the false beliefs that I thought it meant.....it got a lot easier to see I was (and am) an alcoholic.
Like Zen said, it doesn't matter to me (much
) what other ppl think about me. ...and that's a GIFT from working the AA program. I just don't really care...and if I'm in fit spiritual condition, I won't even try to correct you. I'm learning derive my worth from areas other than what you say about me and what I think you believe about me.
Keep plugging away Julez....keep being honest, keep talking, keep posting, and keep searching. I'll promise you it'll keep getting better.