Why Are Recovering Alcoholics So Judgemental?

Back in the summer, I did a little alcohol project and have since quit drinking (back in August). I knew I’d be fine with quitting, I knew it had run it’s course and fortunately I have the awareness and strength to be able to stop if I want to. I know this is a rare trait, as I grew up surrounded by family who was unable to say no. They were the definition of powerless to their addictions.

Something I found interesting about sharing this experiment of allowing myself to drink all summer publicly here on Medium, is that people sure did have their opinions and judgements. They really wanted to convince me that I was oblivious and was in fact an addict. I read other stories from other writers and saw the same thing – judgement in the comments.

I noticed this a lot as my mom became sober as well — she projected her addiction onto everyone else who drank by assuming they had a problem and offering support, or my living vicariously through them and offering them drinks. It was twisted to watch her hand my brother beers after all she had put us through with her addiction — like, come on lady — really? And then when he was smoking weed, she was trying to offer him advice and support.

Not everyone is addicted. Some people are actually in full control of their substance use.

However, last week I wanted a glass of champagne in the afternoon, it was a sunny day and I felt like I wanted a glass. All alone, I just wanted one. No special occasion. Just wanted a nice tasty…