Hello all, I’ve tried being sober several times but never did I believe I can achieve this because of the label that was placed on me as an alcoholic. It just seemed to be my character in the family, role I played with my friends, bad person I’ve felt I become. My time between relapses was 2-3 weeks. One day, funny it was July 4th, I decided that I am not a label of an alcoholic. I am so much more.. I am who I make of my self. If I take on gardening and planting I’ll become a gardener, if I take on going to the gym daily, I’ll become the fitness queen, if I take on starting a new tradition for my kids I’ll become a better parent. It’s not about labels from others it is about how you label yourself. I know labels are not a way to look at yourself, but if you do think of it in the way I described. My sobriety days are at 3 months 25 days. I know it’s a short few steps for the journey I’m about to take on for my life, but thinking of myself as something other than just an alcoholic really helped. Wishing you a straight road to recovery, but if you get off the path…. Think about all the wonderful things you are and can be, you’ll find your way.
I really hate labeling. We are sick with a disease. Alcoholism was in my family for years and I ended up with the gene. My brother died at 35 the color of a lemon. I haven’t seen some of my family for 3 years because of their addiction to alcohol. But I feel I am looked down at. I am learning now at 3 years sober they look at me as a threat because they know they have a problem. I don’t know if you have any meetings you go to or if your have professional help. If it wasn’t for that I think I wouldn’t be able to look at things like I do now with positive feelings. I am the outcast but I can’t die like my brother did. The other word that I truly hate is the word drunk. To me that’s worse than alcoholic. I believe none of us choose to be an alcoholic. I hated myself for a long time because of what I put my husband and daughter through. Now things are so good that I WILL NOT lose that.
Do go to meetings, be proud of the time you have sober now and keep going even one minute at a time if need be. I wish you very best. 
. Don’t label yourself.