A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME STILL HAS THORNS –

Nov. 29, 2022 – When our clients use these words to identify themselves or their behaviors, we typically pause the conversation to explore what they mean because there is nothing to be learned from us accepting the label. We do this knowing that many people find connection when self-identifying as an addict/alcoholic and find immense comfort in being part of a community that relates to these words. In the context of the 12-step community, identifying as an addict or alcoholic can be a powerful act. However, it is always worth examining what the word means to our clients and their families, as self-identifying for community reasons is very different than being labeled by someone else. Our language matters, and the language of the person we are trying to help matters.

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