sailorjohn

Is not an insult, in my universe, merely a description. It is possible that some folks out there see my use of the word as an insult, it is not.

My name is John, I am an addict.

This is my secondary identification, I was an alcoholic before I used my first time, and the last 'drug' I used was alcohol, hence my usual identification as 'alcoholic', my doc was alcohol.

Ann

I have never seen the word "addict" as offensive, I guess it depends how it is used.

I am a woman, and that's a pretty good word from where I sit, too. But it can be used in an offensive way..."Not bad, for a woman" "She will be the first woman __________ "president/astronaut/newscaster/brain surgeon/fill in your own. Sex has nothing to do with the ability to do any of these things.

I think it's about the respect or compassion with which it is said. And anyone lacking respect or compassion is offensive to me, no matter what they say.

Hope I didn't go off course too much here, John.

Hugs

greeteachday

We've discussed this in our Naranon group after reading a passage from SESH. Some people feel comfortable calling their loved one "my addict," others my son/daughter/spouse/partner, etc, others by first name. Some felt calling the person the addict was somehow defining who they were...

As Ann said, I too believe it is all about showing respect and compassion...I could be called Princess, but if it was said in distain, I wouldn't view it as a positive thing. (But if you want to call me Princess with a smile, you all can! )