Is there a difference between...

being addicted to alcohol and being an alcoholic? My girlfriend says I am not an alcoholic I am just addicted to alcohol.. But isn't that the same thing?

I've never heard of someone differentiating between the two before. But, IMO, if you're addicted to alcohol, that makes you an alcoholic.

I would say that they go hand in hand. Maybe she just doesn't want to say you are an alcoholic. Maybe she has a stereotypical view of what an alcoholic entails: certain look, certain age, certain times and amount of drink. consumed.

I am an alcoholic but I'm only addicted psychologically, I've luckily never had a physical dependence. But I get strong psychological urges to binge drink during my weak moments.