Hi Poodles,
Yeah, alcoholic is quite a label to have to slap on ourselves. Once we do this, though, we can start to gather the tools we need to not drink. And not drinking gives us probably our only chance to live a fulfilling, happy and rich life (not problem free though). These tools can come in the form of meetings, counselors, friends, supportive family, clean and sober activities, helping others, etc., etc. The more tools the better.
I don't mind calling myself an alcoholic, because things are so much better than they were. I am actually living today and I wasn't before.
Jup.