I don't like the label 'alcoholic' either and I've been told by professionals as well as by people here and in AA that I wasn't a "real alcoholic"; but I had alcoholic tendencies, rarely stopped before blacking out or passing out-didn't know when to stop-drank more than intended- etc. Alcohol nearly ended my life so although I don't consider myself an alcoholic I do accept that I can't drink not 1 sip ever no matter what label is attached to me.