Read The Doctor's Opinion in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. It explains that it is an allergy of the body which starts as a mental obsession. Thinking that one day I could just drink 1, I end up drinking until I pass out. The claim is also that there is a spiritual part that can help. Listen to some AA speakers tell their story.
Non alkies & alkies really don't understand how each drinks.
A non alkie tild me yesterday she & hubby are still drinking from a bottle opened in 2006.
I've drunk her & hubby's LIFETIME amount in a week or so.