Yes, Kelly that is the "dry" clinical DSM criteria.  However, my post was intended otherwise.  Read the link by Peele, if you would.  The problem is the very label "alcoholic" or "dependent" is often not constructive, and in fact destructive for certain individuals seeking counsel about their imbibing habits.  He points out an array of stories, of people, whom for instance may have had a DUI, or remote history of excess, who subsequently curtailed or eliminated consumption, but who got caught in the web of "addictions therapists" who virtually sentenced these folks to 12 step/AA without ANY regard for alternative approaches.  Monitoring programs are even more serious.  The candidate must not only attend AA (no choice, sometimes court ordered, and checked by sign-in list at the meetings), but be subject to random serum, urine and hair samples for time periods usually about 5 years.   ANY deviation from the program ("sentence") is grounds for jail (if this is a probation situation), to loss of license and job (eg Airline Pilots, surgeons).   I don't think AA is the answer for everyone, in fact the 12 step programs have a high dropout and recurrence rate.  Are there compromises, and alternative approaches?   I think so, and Peele's literature certainly opens up doors, so I'd advise checking out the link and reading as much as possible, if you're interested. 

It might interest some of you "social drinkers" to take a CAGE questionnaire.   You might (now I am just guessing here...) answer yes to one or two of these.   If you do...guess what???    If the questionnaire was formally posed to you by a health provider, you might be labeled "alcoholic" or "problem drinker".   And here's the real kicker.   The answer must be YES if you could EVER in your lifetime say YES to the item. 

Here goes:

C   Have you ever been Concerned that you may be drinking too much?  (Y/N)

A  Are you ever Annoyed that others comment on your drinking?  (Y/N).

G  Have you ever felt Guilt or remorse after drinking?

E  Have you ever needed an EYE- opener in the morning?

Think about it.

Gene