Welcome to SR!!
Only you can answer the question as to whether you're an alcoholic or addict. I know, for me, that I was miserable, and drugs were holding ME back from enjoying life.
I think it would be a good idea to talk to the guy you met at AA, and if nothing else, ask him to be a temporary sponsor. He may become permanent, or you may find someone else who "clicks" better along the way.
I tried getting clean on my own. I WAS clean, but not very happy about it. I don't go to meetings, now, but did and still use what I learned there. I also spend a LOT of time on SR, and the great people here have strengthened my recovery in ways I couldn't even imagine. I truly believe we need others, in our life, that understand and that means recovering peeps. Others can love us, tremendously, but they just don't "get" what it's like to put alcohol and/or drugs ahead of moving forward in life.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy