Originally Posted by
wellnowwhat 
I do not think he is terminally unique, but I do sometimes have a little bit of an issue when alcoholics are all painted with the same brush, when it is seems like they are describing an abusive person who is also alcoholic.
I get that though.
But, I also see people in the newcomers forum, who come and post about how they "might" be an alcoholic, and they add some sort of qualifier, a piece at the end:
"I think I might be an alcoholic...but I have a job I'm really good at!"
"I think I might be an alcoholic...but I'm not homeless!"
"I think I might be an alcoholic...but I have a master's degree!"
There's always this piece added to it, to make it seem like you can "kind of sort of, but not really" be an alcoholic. Loved ones of alcoholics do this too: "He's not an alcoholic, he's not homeless! He showers!"