Deconstructing Alcoholism

Hey there, fellow ex-drinkers, thinkers and curious minds! Today, we’re going to dive deep into a topic that's as complex as it is important: societies’ perception of alcohol addiction. But we're not just going to skim the surface – we're going to take something of a postmodern plunge and explore how the very concept of an "alcoholic" is constructed by society. And because we're living in the digital age, we'll also look at how social media’s algorithmic recommendation systems play a role in reinforcing these perceptions. So buckle up, because this is going to be an eye-opening journey!

The Birth of the "Alcoholic" Identity.

Let's start by turning back the clock. (If only we all could, right?). The concept of the "alcoholic" as we know it today isn't something that's been around forever. In fact, it's a relatively recent invention in the grand scheme of human history. A bit like Funco’s.

In ancient times, you know, when things were black and white, excessive drinking was often seen as a moral failing or a sign of weak character. Fast forward to the 19th century, and we see the emergence of the temperance movement, which framed alcohol consumption itself as a societal evil. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the idea of “alcoholism” as a disease began to take hold, largely thanks to the work of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Which magically brings us to today! The dominant understanding of alcohol addiction (in Western society at least) is a blend of medical and moral models. Addiction is now commonly recognised as a disease, but there's definitely still a strong undercurrent of moral judgment attached to it. This complex, sometimes contradictory view forms the basis of what I’d call “the alcoholic identity”.

Deconstructing the "Alcoholic" Identity.

Now, here's where things get really interesting. From a postmodern perspective, we can see that this "alcoholic" identity isn’t some kind of fixed, universal truth. It's a social construct – a product of our culture, our history, and our dominant discourses about health, morality, and personal responsibility.

Maybe think about it like this: the way we talk about alcohol addiction shapes how we understand it. When we use terms like "alcoholic," "addict," or even "in recovery," we're not just describing a neutral reality. We're participating in a surprisingly complicated web of meanings and associations that have been built up over time.

Let’s do an example: when we label someone an "alcoholic," we're not just saying they drink too much. We're actually invoking a whole set of assumptions about their behaviour, their character, and their place in society. We might also assume they're unreliable, that they have poor self-control, or that they're in need of help (or punishment, depending on one's perspective).

But here's the kicker: these assumptions aren't necessarily true for every individual who struggles with alcohol. I mean, come on... are they? By applying this label then, we risk oversimplifying a complex issue and potentially stigmatising individuals who don't fit neatly into this socially constructed category.

Are you with me so far? Let’s keep going.

The Power Dynamics at Play.

When we deconstruct the "alcoholic" identity, we start to see the power dynamics that shape it. Who gets to define what an "alcoholic" is? And who benefits from these definitions?

Historically, the medical establishment has held a lot of power in defining addiction. The inclusion of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in diagnostic manuals and medical parlance gives scientific legitimacy to certain ways of understanding addiction. This model has its benefits of course – it's helped reduce stigma and increase access to treatment for many people. But it also has its limitations, potentially reducing complex social and psychological issues to matters of mere brain chemistry.

Then there's the recovery industry – treatment centres, support groups, self-help authors, blog-writers (who dat?) and so on. While these entities often do valuable work, they also have a vested interest in maintaining certain narratives about addiction and recovery.

Full transparency: this article is not sponsored!

The idea of the "alcoholic" identity as something permanent and all-encompassing (think of the AA mantra "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic") can serve to keep people engaged with recovery services for the long-term.

We also shouldn’t ignore the role of the alcohol industry itself. By promoting the idea that only a small percentage of "problem drinkers" or "alcoholics" can't handle alcohol responsibly, Big Alcohol deflects attention away from the broader societal impacts of alcohol use. Well they wouldn’t they? And that suits them just fine, right?

The Algorithmic Reinforcement.

Now, allow me to bring this conversation into the 21st century, where the internet doesn’t have wires and kids don’t believe me when I tell them that it once did. I digress. In our so called digital age, recommendation systems play a huge role in shaping how we perceive and interact with information about problem drinking, addiction and more besides.

These mystical algorithms, used by social media platforms, search engines, and online advertisers, are designed to show us content that aligns with our interests and engagement history. While this can be helpful in many contexts, it can also create some problematic dynamics when it comes to issues like alcohol addiction.

For instance, if someone searches for information about cutting back on drinking or signs of alcohol addiction, they might suddenly find their online world flooded with ads for rehab centres, sobriety apps, and recovery literature. On one hand, this could connect people with helpful resources. On the other hand, it could reinforce the idea that once you start questioning your relationship with alcohol, you must be an "alcoholic”, or some kind of freak in need of intensive. Expensive and ongoing intervention.

That might sound a bit harsh, but you’ll forgive me.

These systems can also create what I call “filter bubbles," where people are predominantly exposed to information that aligns with and reinforces certain perspectives on alcohol addiction. If you're mainly seeing content that portrays addiction in a particular way – say, through the lens of the 12-step model – you might not be exposed to alternative viewpoints or approaches.

Not ideal.

To my mind, these systems are also guilty of perpetuating stereotypes associated with the "alcoholic" identity. They might recommend content that portrays individuals with alcohol addiction in simplistic or stigmatising ways, reinforcing societal prejudices rather than challenging them.

The commodification of recovery is another aspect worth considering. Algorithmic systems excel at turning our interests and concerns into opportunities for consumption. In the context of alcohol addiction, this might mean being bombarded with ads for recovery-related products and services. While some of these might be genuinely helpful, this commodification can reinforce the idea that overcoming addiction requires buying into a particular lifestyle or identity.

Breaking Free from the Binary.

One of the most limiting aspects of the traditional "alcoholic" identity is its binary nature. You're either an alcoholic or you're not. You're either in recovery or you're not. I fear that this black-and-white thinking leaves little room for the complex realities of people's lives and experiences.

In reality, people's relationships with alcohol exist on a spectrum, don’t they? Some people might struggle with binge drinking in certain social situations but have no problem abstaining at other times. Others might drink moderately for years before developing a more problematic relationship with alcohol. And some might move back and forth along this spectrum throughout their lives.

So, by challenging this binary thinking, we can open up new possibilities for understanding and addressing alcohol use. It allows us to recognise that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to changing one's relationship with alcohol. For some, complete abstinence might be the best path. For others, moderation strategies or harm reduction approaches might be more effective.

The Diversity of Experiences

When we deconstruct the rather monolithic "alcoholic" identity, we can actually make room for the incredible diversity of individual experiences with alcohol. People's relationships with alcohol are shaped by a multitude of factors – their cultural background, their social environment, their mental health, their life experiences, and so much more.

For example, the experience of alcohol addiction might look very different for a middle-class suburban mom who drinks wine every night to cope with stress, compared to a college student who binge drinks at parties, or a person experiencing homelessness who drinks to manage the symptoms of untreated trauma.

By recognising and accepting this diversity, we can develop more nuanced and inclusive approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery. We can move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and create strategies that are more responsive to individuals' unique circumstances and needs.

Reimagining Recovery.

This process of deconstruction also allows us to reimagine what recovery can look like. In the dominant narrative, recovery is often portrayed as a linear journey from "active addiction" to "recovered alcoholic." But let’s face it - many people's experiences don't fit this neat storyline. I know mine doesn’t.

Some people might go through multiple cycles of heavy use and abstinence. Others might find a balanced relationship with alcohol after a period of problematic use. Still others might abstain from alcohol but not identify with the label of "alcoholic" or participate in traditional recovery communities. The list goes on, right?

It’s worth considering that by broadening our understanding of recovery, we could create more inclusive spaces and services that support people wherever they are in their journey with alcohol. This might include harm reduction approaches, moderation management programmes, and recovery models that don't necessarily require lifelong abstinence or adherence to a particular spiritual framework.

Controversial, I know.

Challenging Stigma.

One of the most important outcomes of deconstructing the "alcoholic" identity has to be the potential to reduce stigma. When we recognise that this identity is socially constructed rather than an inherent personal characteristic, we can start to challenge the shame and judgment often associated with alcohol addiction.

This doesn't mean dismissing the real challenges and harm that can come with alcohol addiction. Rather, it means accepting that people who struggle with alcohol are not fundamentally different or morally inferior to those who don't. It means understanding addiction as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than a personal failing.

By reducing stigma, we can create a society where people feel more comfortable seeking help early, before their alcohol use becomes severely problematic. We can foster more open and honest conversations about alcohol use, allowing for earlier intervention and support.

The Role of Language.

As we work to deconstruct the "alcoholic" identity, we should pay close attention to the language that we use. Words have power, of course, and the way we talk about alcohol addiction shapes how people think about it.

In the real world, person-first language (e.g., "person with alcohol use disorder" instead of "alcoholic") can help emphasise the humanity of individuals struggling with addiction. It reminds all us that addiction is something a person experiences, not something that defines their entire being.

We probably should also consider moving away from absolutist terms like "alcoholic" altogether, instead talking about "alcohol use disorder" or "problematic drinking." For me, these terms (as starters for ten) allow for more nuance and avoid the all-or-nothing thinking that can otherwise be so limiting.

The Future of Addiction Discourse.

As we move forward, it's crucial to me that we continue to critically examine and challenge our societal narratives about alcohol addiction. This means being willing to question long-held beliefs, even when they're promoted by respected institutions or have become deeply ingrained in our culture.

It also means being mindful of how new technologies, like the above-mentioned algorithmic recommendation systems, shape our understanding of addiction. As these systems become more sophisticated and pervasive, we need to advocate for transparency and accountability in how they handle sensitive topics like addiction.

We should strive to create spaces – both online and offline – where diverse perspectives on alcohol use and recovery can be shared. This might involve amplifying voices that have traditionally been marginalised in addiction discourse, such as people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with co-occurring mental health conditions.

And finally: Embracing Complexity.

If you’ve gotten this far, I salute you! Let me be clear, deconstructing the "alcoholic" identity isn't about denying the reality of alcohol addiction or dismissing the experiences of people who identify with this label. Instead, it's about recognising the complexity of human experiences with alcohol and creating space for a more nuanced, compassionate, and effective approach to addressing alcohol-related problems.

By moving beyond simplistic labels and binary thinking, we can develop a more holistic understanding of alcohol use and addiction. We can create prevention and treatment approaches that are more responsive to individual needs and circumstances.

And perhaps most importantly, we can foster a society that's more understanding and supportive of people wherever they are in their relationship with alcohol.

So, dear reader, the next time you hear someone described as an "alcoholic," or see an ad targeting people struggling with alcohol, take a moment to think more critically about the assumptions and power dynamics at play. Remember that behind every label is a unique individual with their own complex story. By keeping this in mind, we can all contribute to a more nuanced and compassionate discourse around alcohol addiction. Yes we can!

Credits

Featured image by Ryan Moreno on Unsplash