Words are important yet don't totally define you. I'm a Belgian, yet that doesn't define my whole being. (Although for some it might!
)
Alcoholic is a word that to me defines a person who started to have a problem with using alcohol at one point in his or her life.
Incidentally, I was the first person to use that word in relation to myself. Mostly to vocalize, to make it absolutely clear, that I had a serious problem with the stuff.
But more importantly, it kicked my butt in gear. I needed to tackle the problem.
Complete abstinence was the only way out for me, and I really don't mind calling myself an alcoholic.