So Ive been struggling with this for a while. I dont have a substance abuse problem. Never have. But I stopped drinking 10 years ago cause I just didnt like what it did to my body, my brain and my self-worth. I dont use any drugs except cbd oil to manage my health issues.

Ive only ever said I was sober once to someone (I usually say I dont drink or do drugs) and they explained that I shouldnt say that because I was never an addict. But that person also turned out to be extremely toxic and manipulative and would regularly gaslight me.

I know some people who are/have been addicts feel really strongly about non-addicts using "sober" to mean they dont use. Im just trying to get a sense of if its a feeling shared by the sober communities at large. I just want to make sure Im being respectful and that Im not appropriating a term that isnt for me.

Thanks to anyone who replies.