This is a great article Ana. I think you address some important problems with AA that are commonly discussed now.

I hadn’t actually thought of the aspect you mention that allergies can sometimes improve. And that the metaphor is not useful because of this.

I do think that this quote though is helpful and I do think that some people react differently to alcohol. There has been some research in this too, there are people who have personality changes and regularly go crazy, people who notice mild changes and occasionally lose it and people who alcohol barely affects in that way. However I need to dig out the research because I can’t remember if there is a correlation between those who have a strong reaction and alcoholism.

I know that I fitted into this category and therefore I see this idea of being allergic to alcohol as suitable for me. I have always had a tendency to lose the plot on booze, much more than others from day one.

However as much as this metaphor makes sense to me I can see how it would be potentially unhelpful for others. Thanks for writing this!