'Alcoholic' is a loaded term. It isn't neutral and it carries a lot of baggage. It also generates a degree of judgmnentalism from the general public in my opinion as well as associated images of down and outs, drunks in back alleys and utterly ruined lives.
As mentioned above there is a tradition in AA to introduce yourself when you share as an 'alcoholic'. There is a degree of peer pressure to do so - unspoken though it is.
Personally I quite like that. It is like stepping over a threshold and accepting the harsh reality of your condition and if like me, you were never a two bottle of spirits a day drinker, when you first say it, it can be tough.
I don't think it really natters though when it comes down to it. As ever, choose the word that you think will make it easier for you to deal with it and combat the bastard thing.