Question by jlarsen4: I quit using drugs 10 years ago. Do I need relapse over and over again in order to be considered an addict?
I quit using drugs the first time I really tried which was over 10 years ago. I have several addict friends who question whether or not I am an addict. I don’t need that label and frankly can live without it, however, I work in substance abuse treatment and feel strongly that addicts can overcome active addiction without having to go through relapse after relapse. Your thoughts?

Best answer:

Answer by pacemaker
a addict continue taking drugs on a daily basis ..your higher power is the drug what is a drug counselor to you.. what is more important how much your drug use or… because I was a drug counselor I have lived with people who wanted to stay clean or stay out of jail you puzzle me because you have drug addict friends.. but you work in a treatment center

Answer by Ron
I’m a recovering alcoholic (3years dry next monday), it is my and others in AA that you can label yourself what you like.

When you were an addict, did you or are you a member of NA or CA?, the reason I ask is this sort of question crops up quite often at my AA meetings and the general consensus is that as I said you can call yourself what you like.

I went into rehab in 2006 and was told that I was an alcoholic for life in that I could never safely drink again, the same goes for drugs, which is why it surprised me when I went to some AA meetings and some people introduced themselves as ‘recovered’ alcoholics, they explained that they had recovered from the ‘mental obsession’ of alcohol, it’s printed inside the cover of ‘Alcoholics Anonymous “The story of how many thousands of men have recovered from alcoholism”‘, the same book that’s used in NA and CA.

I don’t think it’s anything to do with relapsing, just keep strong and don’t forget those organisations that are there to help you.

I have friends who are alcoholics as well, I never preach to them but offer advice if asked.

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