Originally Posted by
Chakaido 
Why its important is that I understand there are different approaches to addressing depending if someone is an alcoholic or not.
It is not important.
A well rounded treatment approach will include all facets of alcohol addiction, from the worst to the least of cases.
A more black and white thinking way to treat alcohol addiction will invent a diagnosis to fit the the recovery plan. You either fit the criterion (alcoholic) or not (hard drinker), no shades of grey.