I wish I could drink in moderation too, but I know that it is impossible.
It is your choice to label yourself an alcoholic or not. I don't think most set out in life to become alcoholics, it is a reaction in your body and mind to alcohol that you cannot ever control. Part of this reaction is the craving that you experience as soon as you take your first sip of booze, the feeling of needing more and more and more.
I'm not sure I understand why it would be a cop-out to admit to being an alcoholic. For me the cop-out was knowing that I was an alcoholic, yet refusing to do anything about it.