David Boyle
David Boyle
5 Years 365 days - Ask Boyle
5 Years 365 days - Ask Boyle
5 Years 365 days - Ask Boyle
Monday 12th May 2025
David Boyle challenges sobriety labels in this episode, questioning the necessity of identifying as an alcoholic after long-term sobriety.
Explicit
12 minutes
Honest
Humorous
Reflective
Engaging
Non-judgmental
About this podcast
Author:
David Boyle
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety in Everyday Life
Comedic Journeys
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Rethinking Labels: David Boyle on Sobriety and Identity
Episode Overview
- Boyle questions the need for labels like 'alcoholic' after achieving sobriety.
- He shares his journey of moving from alcohol abuse to sobriety.
- Discusses the role of personal agency in overcoming addiction.
- Expresses scepticism towards the victim mentality in recovery communities.
- Uses humour and personal anecdotes to reflect on his past drinking habits.
"I was an explosive alcoholic. Or abuser. I've never really thought about it."
In this candid episode of "I'm Quitting Alcohol", comedian David Boyle dives into a listener's question that challenges the labels often associated with sobriety. With his trademark humour and honesty, Boyle reflects on whether he considers himself an alcoholic or simply a non-drinker. He shares his personal journey, explaining how he never quite embraced the 'alcoholic' label, despite ticking all the boxes. Instead, he views himself as someone who abused alcohol but always felt in control of his choices.
Boyle's musings highlight a broader debate within the recovery community: do you ever truly move beyond the label of an addict? He questions the necessity of clinging to such identities, pondering if it's time for some to shed these descriptions once they've achieved long-term sobriety. Boyle's thoughts are peppered with his experiences, likening his drinking days to those of a retired elite athlete who perhaps stayed in the game a little too long.
Listeners are treated to Boyle's unique perspective on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and similar support systems. While acknowledging their benefits for many, he maintains a sceptical view of the 'victim' mentality often associated with alcoholism as a disease. He argues for personal agency and rational decision-making in his journey to sobriety. This episode is a refreshing take on sobriety, offering a mix of humour, introspection, and straight talk.
Whether you're questioning your own relationship with alcohol or simply curious about different perspectives on recovery, Boyle's reflections might just give you something to think about.