daphne,
If it's already been said, I apologize for the repetition -- I read the first post and wanted to reply, but I'm too short on time to read the whole thread.
Alcoholism IS. Just IS. Intelligence, education, prosperity, religious conviction, intestinal fortitude -- none of those things are protections from it.
Once you realize you have it and can accept that it resides on the inside, not in external qualifications (or disqualifications), you're in a position to do something about it.
Peace & Love,
Sugah