I regularly have a drink in the evening, so I sometimes wonder whether I qualify as an alcoholic. Discussing the matter with a doctor, he told me that in the hospital where he works, they first define alcoholism by psychological addiction rather than quantity (there is a quantity that makes you qualify as alcoholic, but it is very high, like 3 liters of beer a day).

Sometimes I am craving for a beer or a whiskey, sometimes I don't care. At the moment I am avoiding alcohol altogether because I want to lose weight, so I don't drink at all. I miss it a bit, but not too much because I am focused towards my goal. But otherwise, while not on a diet, I do not hold myself to a strong policy and I decided I would not unless I actually start having the impression that alcohol controls me. It is weird, but I have the feeling that applying a policy would already mark the beginning of an addiction. Addiction is a feeling I think I know, because I used to smoke and I stopped because I hated the idea of being controlled by my habits. So far I am under the impression that this attitude works for me, and I think it is important to watch yourself and be honest with yourself if you want to be a reasonable drinker.