Do you find the word "addict" derogatory?
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,550
"Substance dependent"? Does this help? Whatever you call it it's been traditionally viewed as a "character defect" (e.g. "He did it to himself! It's all his fault!"). A large part of getting ready to drink is subconscious, It's only the prefrontal cortex which acts as the gatekeeper and that this may be relatively ineffective as a result of alcohol. There's also a genetic and social component.
W.
W.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 674
O, I've been thinking more about this. May have already been mentioned. But, technically speaking, we're all addicts about everything.
The basic function of doing things to get a dopamine spike could be considered 'addictive' behavior and we do it for everything. Sugar, validation, sex, money, you name it.
When people use it in a derogatory fashion or with the intent of implying the negative cultural stigma and stereotypes they are simply exposing their own bigotry and lack of empathy and compassion.
I say you call it out. Ask him, what, exactly, do you mean by 'addict?' Is he so sure he doesn't have behaviors that themselves are 'addictive?' Is he sure that he's not just projecting his own insecurities and dissatisfaction with himself all over you?
If he ends up doubling down and pressing home the negative stigmas that's called toxicity and maybe even verbal abuse. Don't stand for it. Not for a second.
The basic function of doing things to get a dopamine spike could be considered 'addictive' behavior and we do it for everything. Sugar, validation, sex, money, you name it.
When people use it in a derogatory fashion or with the intent of implying the negative cultural stigma and stereotypes they are simply exposing their own bigotry and lack of empathy and compassion.
I say you call it out. Ask him, what, exactly, do you mean by 'addict?' Is he so sure he doesn't have behaviors that themselves are 'addictive?' Is he sure that he's not just projecting his own insecurities and dissatisfaction with himself all over you?
If he ends up doubling down and pressing home the negative stigmas that's called toxicity and maybe even verbal abuse. Don't stand for it. Not for a second.
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
I am a dedicated AAer and I also run a non-AA based recovery group for both "alcoholics and alcoholics" ie anyone who is struggling with addiction.
Addiction - just a term for what we are.
Recovering - a term that means warrior, survivor, blessed.
The former doesn't bother me, the latter is everything good in my life.
Addiction - just a term for what we are.
Recovering - a term that means warrior, survivor, blessed.
The former doesn't bother me, the latter is everything good in my life.
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