You dont have to call yourself an alcoholic....im pretty sure in Australia theres no such thing as "Alcoholism".....they like to call us alcohol dependent
Unfortunately, most people wont know what youre on about unless you label yourself an alcoholic. And even then, most cant comprehend why you cant have "just one or two"......say youre allergic and you get a raging temperature and all over itches. That'll shut em up
You dont have to go to meetings, but I reckon it'll do more good than harm. If youre worried about seeing someone you know, go to the other side of town and wear a wig! Trust me, I havent been to a meeting yet, and the longer you leave it the harder it gets!