Originally Posted by
AlcoholicJak 
All I have to do is go to the nearest American Legion or VFW and talk to vets who have been getting drunk their entire lives! What separates them from those who commit alcohol suicide??
Addiction is what separates those who are just "drinkers" from alcoholics. There is no concrete answer or diagnosis that can be made to distinguish between the two, the addict themself has to make the decision on their own. There are certainly warning signs - physical and mental dependance are 2 of the big ones. Feeling that you "need" to drink is another big red flag.