Ive heard a lot of people say that.
I must be really weird. I dont know if I was (am?) an alcoholic. I drank heavy for 25 years though. Literally would burn through a 12 pack of beer before lunch but after work was when the drinking really started. Id go through one of those 1.75 liter bottles of Seagrams in two days.
Did that day in and day out for decades. Then one day I was doing something and realized I hadnt drunk anything in three or four days. Havent touched any since.
It isnt anything I consciously tried to do
just sort-of got bored with it or forgot or something. Sometimes its nice being sorta dopey.
Alcohol has never been a part of our family gatherings. In-laws or my own, so I must be the only one who knows my drinking is going to slow down during the holidays because I know it's not socially acceptable.
Even during work parties, I find it difficult getting your "drunk" on in front of other people.
I guess that's why I'm more of a closet alcoholic.
Nobody knows except my wife.