Originally Posted by
BackToSquareOne 
I've always noticed that for some people the word "Alcoholic" is a very negative thing while others don't see it that way. I don't think that identifying as an alcoholic ever really bothered me that much, if at all.
I agree. I had to stop using that word because when I said that I was people immediately tried to defend my saying I wasn't. I had to switch to "I have lost control over my drinking" or "I broke my off switch". People seem to understand that under those conditions I am better of quitting altogether. Honestly, it is easier for me to see it that way too. I fully understand that I left some boxes unchecked to meet the criteria but I have the most important factor...the more I get the more I want.
I think it conjures up the image of an end stage drinker. Someone who is physically addicted and has lost nearly everything. The sooner a person is able to come to terms with the fact that something is wrong regarding their use the better off they are, regardless off the term they use.