A Rose by Any Other Name
🌹A Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose
Kate Bee of The Sober School believes, rightly, that “Sobriety should be a lifestyle upgrade.”
She has had success in abstaining from alcohol herself, and offers individualized coaching for women who are struggling with the ability to cease drinking.
In this video, she makes a number of good points about the trouble of labeling oneself as an “Alcoholic.” I agreed with everything she said, although I also thought it was worth noting that the term does serve a purpose, and has a history. I did my best to clarify this in my response below.
Thanks so much for your channel and emails! I must say I wholly agree with every thing you said in this talk. However, a little gentle clarification about the nature of the term in the way in which it evolved. It may no longer be that the old recovery model is necessary *now* in a world where addiction / recovery has gained a lot more scientific and medical attention, sobriety culture has become popular among some, and people feel that they can talk about the issue publicly (as you do so wonderfully!).
The term in the subculture you mention evolved in a time when, generally, people with destructive drinking were generally seen as outcasts and inferiors. Even today, some people who struggle with this are judged by friends, family, and employers for their behavior, rather than compassionately ushered into to a treatment modality. In this context, there is something about being in an ostensibly anonymous group (although that's a slippery concept) and immediately identifying with the group as one who shares a specific malady. The message, I think, is supposed to be "You are not alone. We're all struggling with this, and we can relate to one another in a way in which others can not relate to us." Additionally, I think there's also some suggestion of a submission or confession of one's ego in adopting the mantle — to say "I'm not in denial about my problem."
Again, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. There are a number of assumptions made by that group which can be easily contradicted with Logic and analysis, but which function reasonably well nevertheless *for those who are willing to participate in the subculture*. If you are willing, you will be rewarded for the effort via camaraderie and support. You will also have access to the benefits of Perspectival, Procedural, and Participatory knowledge, as opposed to only the Propositional -- which is not nothing. Indeed, for some it is a lifeline.
All best, and keep up the good work!
Aaron