Admitting it was also the hardest thing for me. I quit for 6 months (ago) but during that time I resisted ever saying alcoholic, even avoided meetings because I didn't want to put that label on myself. In the couple meetings I attended and in all my subsequent weekly one on one counseling I said "I have drank too much at times." I was being too proud. Didn't feel absolute labels were fair.
Now, I just had a horrible10 day binge that will probably cost me my excellent job. Maybe it doesn't matter what you call it, but I know now that I am "a person who can never have a drink again or the most horrilbe things will happen and I will feel self disgust, guilt, shame and possibly death." I guess I don't care what term I use for that, but the outcomes of my drinking cost me dearly and threaten to cost me even more if I continue.
My very best to you Katie.