Alcoholism progresses to a disease at the later stages, its scientifically proven that once a certain point of use has been passed the cells in the human body mutate and they not only crave alcohol but don't function properly with out alcohol. (under the influence)
That being said alcohol its self is a habit forming drug, you drink enough for long enough you will get hooked.
I don't really care what it is no more all I care about is beating it and living a happy sober life!