People in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) often appear to wrap much of their identity around AA and being alcoholics for several reasons:
Shared Experience: AA is a fellowship of individuals who have struggled with alcohol addiction, and their shared experiences create a strong sense of camaraderie and understanding among its members. When people go through a challenging experience together, it's common for them to bond over it, and that shared bond can become a significant part of their identity.
Recovery Focus: In AA, the main focus is on recovery from alcohol addiction. Members are encouraged to acknowledge their addiction and make amends for past actions. This constant focus on recovery can lead some individuals to center their identities around their journey to sobriety.
Support System: AA provides a crucial support system for its members. People may lean heavily on AA for emotional support, encouragement, and understanding. In times of difficulty, this support network can become an essential part of their lives, contributing to their identity.
New Life Direction: Sobriety often brings significant changes to a person's life. When individuals join AA and embrace sobriety, they may find new interests, hobbies, and relationships within the AA community. These changes can contribute to a shift in their overall identity.
Coping Mechanism: For some, embracing their identity as an alcoholic in recovery serves as a reminder of the challenges they have overcome. It can be a source of strength and motivation to maintain their sobriety and continue on their path of recovery.
Continuing Involvement: Many individuals in AA continue to stay active in the program to help others and to maintain their own sobriety. In doing so, their involvement with AA remains prominent, further influencing their identity.
Positive Reinforcement: Within AA, members are encouraged to celebrate their progress and milestones in recovery. This positive reinforcement can reinforce their identity as someone who is overcoming alcohol addiction.
It's essential to recognize that the level to which individuals wrap their identities around AA and being alcoholics can vary greatly from person to person. While for some, AA becomes a central part of their lives, others may incorporate it as just one aspect of their broader identity. AA is a voluntary program, and people are encouraged to define their identity in a way that aligns with their personal values and goals.