I hear a lot of discussion around whether a person is recovered or in recovery.
I think there's a distinction between the two and arguing over whether somebody is or isn't recovered is a perpetual nuisance.
I am recovered from a hopeless state. However, I remain an alcoholic in the sense that I cannot take a drink without the phenomenon of craving occurring. The relapse has already happened when my spirit has been subdued and the obsession to drink has overwhelmed any resistance to remain sober and live life on its terms.