Debunking the Myth: Once an Alcoholic, Always an Alcoholic
The long-standing adage, “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic,” has been a staple mantra in the realm of addiction recovery.
But the veracity of this statement is not only scientifically unfounded but also serves as a fear-driven tactic that does a disservice to those on the journey to recovery. At Beyond Sober, we believe it’s time to address this wrongful narrative and shed light on the truth of recovery.
Contrary to common belief, the phrase “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic” doesn’t apply to everyone, let alone the majority. It’s a generalized statement, stemming from organizations such as AA, that has been perpetuated without robust scientific evidence to back it. In fact, my experience in creating recovery programs has shown me that many individuals in these settings are not even deep enough into the rabbit hole of addiction.
They haven’t reached the point where their lives have been irrevocably transformed, contradicting the always-an-alcoholic label that has been foisted upon them.
Dispelling this myth is crucial because it empowers individuals to move beyond the label of alcoholism. The truth is, as humans, we hold the incredible capability to evolve and break free from past behaviors. The process of recovery invites us to redefine ourselves, to step out of the confines of addiction and to embrace our potential to change. Truly, we can become someone who does not think, feel, act, or respond as the addiction once dictated.
In the battle against addiction, various tools, modalities, and environments are at our disposal. These resources offer numerous opportunities for growth and transformation. They help shift our perspectives and equip us to become someone who doesn’t succumb to the pull of addiction. At Sober Not Sober, our aim is to provide these resources and support individuals on this transformative journey.
In essence, the goal of recovery is not to remain in a perpetual state of battle with addiction, but to achieve a state of being recovered. Recovery is not an infinite loop, but a path leading towards an endpoint, a place where the individual is freed from the chains of addiction.
So, let us move away from the debilitating narrative of “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic” and embrace the reality that every individual has the potential to overcome and outgrow addiction.
[K O H D I | Beyond Sober](http://www.tiktok.com/@kohdi.rayne)
