I never considered myself an alcoholic or an addict because of the fact that I never felt like I needed to drink. I Just wanted it often and as much as possible and did so for about 5 years of my life. Some ruined relationships, a lot of poor decisions, shame and embarassment over so many things during that time just because I enjoyed getting fucked up as much as possible. I always stopped myself when things were getting out of control like when I went out with a girl from work for a coffee, still partially drunk and my shaky hands were noticeable. I didn't really want to sit down with her because she would have seen that, so we just took the coffee to go.

I always had some really shitty moment or "wake up call" before things really got out of hand or had a girlfriend that changed my drinking ways temporarily and made me be a good boy for a while. I think having the ability to stop myself when I need to makes me different from an addict.