I'm an alanon person who drank heavily with my exh for about 6-7 years.
I didn't experience any physical withdrawal when I quit drinking which was almost everyday. I still drink socially and don't consider myself alcoholic.
I think 3 weeks of withdrawal symptoms sounds serious to me--whatever you want to call that!
I wouldn't get the idea in my head after withdrawal symptoms that I could drink again. If I had had withdrawal symptoms--I never would have touched the stuff again.
Congrats on your sobriety!