I probably met the clinical definition of alcoholic in my 20's. Drank at least a six every night, sometimes more. I would get seriously pouty if I couldn't have my hops and barley pacifier after work. Didn't drink and drive, didn't miss work because of it or anything, just allowed it to take up way too much space in my life. When I met my wife, she gently pointed out this fact and I mostly left it behind.
These days I still pick up a deuce of Heineken every so often, like maybe once a month. Any more than that amount causes really bad sleep problems for me, something I came to realize after I stopped having it every day.