Originally Posted by
zorah 
ok, so i know that denial is a core issue for problem drinkers. but i don't understand why you have to say "i'm xxx and i'm an alcoholic" at aa meetings. if the only requirement for being in aa is a desire to stop drinking, then logically, people who feel they're beginning to lose control can attend; yet they may not be alcoholic. the stories i hear in aa meetings are not my story. i would feel dishonest saying i am an alcoholic when from every questionnaire i've read, i'm not there. i drink alone, i obsess about it a little when i make myself stop, i medicate myself with it, blah blah. but an alcoholic? did the founders of aa insist that people identify as alcoholics? what about people who are problem drinkers but not addicts? The other issue is that i'm in the process of working with a specialist to help me with bipolar. so this complicates my knowing if i have a growing alcohol problem or am experiencing the effects of my severe daily struggle to live something like a normal life. maybe i just need to work with a counselor. any thoughts from anyone?
zorah
The difference between a problem drinker and an Alcoholic is that:
A) When the alcohol is taken away from the problem drinker, the problem goes away.
B) When the alcohol is taken away from the Alcoholic, the problem has just begun.
You will have to decide which one you are...
I was on Lithium in the 70's for Manic/Depression and it didn't help. My Highs/Lows were just my untreated alcoholism.
You sound like you are right in the throes of finding who you really are. Soon, I think, you will discover who rules the roost.... you or the booze.
I wish you the best with your therapists. Looking forward to hearing from you on your recovery.
Bob R
I guess to answer your original question, I say "I'm Bob and I'm an alcoholic" because that's the way it's been from the beginning and I'm not about to judge, question or tear it apart. It works so I won't fix on it.