I am a recovering alcoholic myself and I agree with your beliefs. I know that my behavior drunk was always just below the surface. That is why merely quitting isn't enough. There is a whole lot of work involved once the booze are removed.
Abuse is a whole separate issue from alcoholism. I always say:
Liars lie
Cheaters cheat
Abusers abuse
Thieves steal
None of these have anything to do with alcoholism. Even if they are present in an alcoholic. They are separate issues that also need to be addressed but quitting drinking always has to be the first step