Hi, paulokes, thanks for your thoughts. I think that time brings clarity. When we are in full blown addiction, that's really all we can see. The getting of alcohol, drinking it, getting more, keeping it hidden from friends and family, functioning though not feeling well or healthy.
When we can take a step back from the crazy train, we become willing to own our part.
My own opinion only:, I have a bit of an issue with the term "alcoholic." To me it's stigmatizing, negative, and doesn't convey the complexities of our dependent condition.
When I attended AA, I cringed inside when people would say that they were so-and-so and an alcoholic. Eventually, I would share my name only, leaving off the alcoholic part.
I guess I prefer "alcohol-dependent." Because to me it implies a condition that can and does change, as so many of us now non-drinkers can attest.
I know that, to many, it's tomato-tomahto. A drinking problem is a drinking problem, no matter what you call it.
This just me talking. Peace.