Are We Toxic?*

[briseus]

I recently saw a post on someone's Facebook page with a link to an article...talking about toxic people...
This is the link:

http://lightshouse.org/lights-blog/why-its-smart-to-let-toxic-people-have-the-last-word#axzz3hn19waG7

Anyways...she/he posted that we should all let "toxic people slash alcoholics get the last word" (sic).

I've heard that alcoholics are manipulative...but are we *toxic*? Even in recovery?
I was a little offended I guess and wanted to say something...I don't think we are toxic per se...I think we are addicted.
All alcoholics, sober or not.

Thoughts on this?
Just curious what others thing.
Hope everyone is having a nice, sober Monday night.

Bri

[Rusty]

Bri...

Interesting subject. I don't think a person has to be an alcoholic...sober or not...to be toxic. I have known several people who are toxic who are not addicted to anything. Active alcoholics can be extremely manipulative if they want their "fix" of AL and cannot get as quickly as they want it....in sobriety, I would hope not.

[briseus]

Oh I definitely agree - the person that posted the link though said that alcoholics are the same type of people as toxic ones. I guess the link doesn't matter as much as what I read what this person had posted with the link.
Implying that alcoholics were toxic...and if we are alcoholics for life (or not when in recovery?) would that mean we are forever toxic too?

I don't think so. I guess when someone is insecure (as I am and especially in early recovery) I take a lot of things to heart. So this sort of irked me...I was just wondering what others thought.

And totally agree with you Rusty - active alcoholics can be definitely manipulative...I was like that 110%. Trying to convince everyone that I NEEDED alcohol for such and such a reason. Was good at it too. I also threw tantrums if I couldn't get it.

But in sobriety, I would hope not too.

[briseus]

Just thought it would be something interesting to discuss.

[JackieM]

To me "toxic people" are those with no self-awareness. They do and say whatever they want with no regard for other's feelings.
I would say that I am hyper aware of everything that I do and say. So much so that it contributes greatly to my anxiety. I am always afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing. My addiction largely stems from this chronic anxiety. I don't think I am a toxic person. I am an addict with underlying issues that need to be dealt with.

[briseus]

Amen Jackie. Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Rusty]

I second that, Jackie.

[Sunbeam]

I didn't see this source, but I believe there are plenty of toxic people who are not alcoholic, and alcoholics who are drinking can be pretty toxic. Not all are, though. There are many kinds of people who have alcohol issues.