My friends often call me an alcoholic. I’m one of the only people in my friend group that actually drink, (the rest of them smoke) but i often get mad and stressed when they tell me that. One of my biggest fears is being an alcoholic. My father abused alcohol and is why I don’t drink often, only with friends. Though they often joke around and call me an alcoholic which makes me feel so stressed. It is one of my biggest fears to be an alcoholic, and to hurt those around me because of it. My father isn’t a bad person, but I’d never want to repeat his mistakes and it terrifies me to think about doing so. I’ve told them I don’t like to be called that but they continue to do so. It hurts.

I’m so sorry. I think as long as you’re careful about how often and how much you drink, as well as don’t drive, drinking is totally safe. It only becomes a problem when you use it as an emotional crutch, which it doesn’t sound like at all. They likely joke about it because, as you said, you only drink with friends, so that’s what they see. It isn’t right of them to call you that though, ESPECIALLY when you’ve told them to stop. If I were you, I’d let them know that you don’t feel comfortable hanging out with them if they’re gonna make fun of you

When you say stressed, you mean it increases your anxiety response... when they call you an alcoholic, with it being a fear...?

Sounds like some shitty friends who don’t respect your boundaries.

I can relate to this. I used to have the same fear. I drank too much ONE TIME at 18. I didn't know I had OCD at the time. But I convinced myself that if I drank alcohol I would become a raging alcoholic. Even after I was of legal drinking age. I didn't drink any alcohol until I was in my late 30s. I was at a work bowling party with friends and had one alcoholic drink. I felt guilty about that one drink for about 3 months. One of the ladies I was with that night said "It was one drink. Its not like you got drunk. But even if you did, it wouldn't be the end of the world," I still don't drink that often and never more than 2. I drink 2 or 3 times a year, if that. I recently realized that my OCD has switched. Now its telling me that if I drink alcohol alone I will become an alcoholic. I live alone and don't even keep any alcohol in my apartment. My counselor wants me to do an exposure involving having an alcoholic drink by myself. It makes me anxious just thinking about doing that.