Glad your here Ejw514, welcome
I learned here and other places that alcohol really was more of the symptom of other problems in my life.
For me masking the "why" I drank and not having to deal with the real issues was much simpler.
Frequency of drinking increased as did greater volume of booze which created a mental obsession/compulsion to drink daily. Once I started drinking I continued to physically crave more until I feel asleep or ran out.........God Forbid.
As Carlotta mentioned, some are just heavy drinkers. Make no mistake, sometimes this may be worse - not seeking treatment for the poison we consume.
Once I read - I'd rather walk around sober thinking I was an alcoholic than staggering around thinking I was not.
If alcohol is a problem in your life, try with out it. Most of us find things are soooooooo much better!
Glad you're here with us!!!