I guess it all depends if you are an addict or not. I didn't like being called an alcoholic, but I didn't mind being called a heavy drinker.
It did turn into a life problem for me and others. I could not control when, how much or what happened after starting to drink. It would just take over.
I could start out the day planning on being responsible and fulfilling my obligations, but after a few drinks, they weren't important anymore. I tried to hide my drinking. I was ashamed of it. Yet I could not stop it.
Will-power didn't work. Trying to limit it seemed to make it worse.
I had to stop completely and never look back. I 'tested' myself a year and a half later and within 3 days I was just as sick as I've ever been. I didn't know how to call for help, but I did.
It saved my life and 32 years later, here I am.
Life can still be difficult, but at least it is real. I can trust my decisions today. I couldn't do it alone. I am not a strong person and I still have my defects, but I am sober today. I escaped from hell.
Best of luck to you.