Originally Posted by
LifeRecovery 
Just a girl-
I truly believe I don't get to call someone who does not call themselves an alcoholic, one (contrary to what I wrote above). I do get to say if someone's drinking impacts me however and I have started to realize that that is enough.
Maybe that's just enough for me, too. My husband does not identify himself as an alcoholic or problem drinker. He just considers drinking a coping tool. I don't call him an A in real life... only on here... for the reasons you cited. Doesn't really matter, his drinking has/does impact me and the kids.
I also recognize addictive tendencies in myself. For that reason, long ago, I chose not to drink regularly (after my teenage rebellion was over which is when I recognized this tendency in myself.)