"...the piano hanging over our heads"....I like the analogy, Stugotz. I get your point. For me...I don't think much about whether I'm "recovered" or "in recovery". I just know that I'm not drinking, haven't for over 15 months, and have no intention of ever doing so again. I don't feel hopeless and am not afraid. Whatever anyone wants to call that is fine with me. I'm just living my life.... sans alcohol.