Alcoholism is a mental illness, or disease. The notion of being ashamed of it is on the way out. Would you hide heart trouble or diabetes from your doctor? Why is alcoholism any different? Alcoholism falls into the medical category of behavioral health, so it's a real thing. Of course it's your choice but part of wellness includes your mental and bodily state, both of which addictive drinking affects. If down the road a doctor can see that you are an alcoholic, they can avoid prescribing certain medications that are addictive, for instance. I agree that honesty is the best policy, and would encourage you not to feel shame over being an alcoholic. If you could control it you would have by now
