Why We Should Stop Saying “Alcoholic”

Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Because It’s Offensive

No one knows what the word means

Few words contain as much social stigma as the word “alcoholic.” It’s a label that no one wants and no one asks for. Yet, no one can tell you exactly what it means — not even Alcoholics Anonymous.

Here’s what AA has to say about alcoholism:

While there is no formal “A.A. definition” of alcoholism, the majority of our members agree that, for most of us, it could be described as a physical compulsion, coupled with a mental obsession.

I highlighted the “could-be” terms in AA’s definition which shows that even Alcoholics Anonymous isn’t clear on the meaning.

The word alcoholic is just a colloquialism, like “drunk” or “lush.” It has no clinical definition, and it’s not intended as a medical diagnosis.

The reason we should stop using such an antiquated word is simple.

The term “Alcoholic” paints a misleading picture of a disorder that needs as much clarity as possible.

If we can’t represent it accurately, how can we treat it — or better yet, stop it before it happens?