Originally Posted by
NYCDoglvr 
I call myself an alcoholic because when I have a drink or two I can't stop. Suggest deciding you're having one or two drinks and see if you can do it. A non-alcoholic will have no problem doing it. We alcoholics drink for effect, typically to escape life, stress or pain.
This is what the AA big book suggests.
Be honest with yourself - what happens normally when you start drinking? Can you easily put it down and stop, or are you secretly obsessing about and craving more and more?
One of the hardest things to do is get honest with ourselves about our drinking. We want to hold on (for dear life) to the idea that we can drink normally.
Glad you’re seeking out advice, and welcome to SR.