You touched on a point that makes me wonder why so many people that have overcome their addictions, including writers on this platform, feel a need to distinguish themselves from the stigmatized/stereotyped alcoholics you describe. I find it interesting how so many stories start out with lines like "I never had a DUI or missed a day of work". Not that I question their sincerity, but I have to believe, that in some instances, there's a psychological force driving their need to separate themselves from "the really bad alcoholics". I know......different shapes & sizes, but I have to wonder, because I often felt a need to sugarcoat the true seriousness of my condition too. After all, I wasn't as bad as the smelly, homeless person. Just an observation.
Thanks for sharing. ✌️😎