I too sometimes use alcohol [...] to self-medicate, but I am not an addict. I can drink a lot for a period of time and then just sort of forget to drink for months at a time. An alcoholic can't do that.

this is just what I was going to say.

There is alcoholism in my immediate family (two people) ,and I feared that I was sliding into it myself, but T (who has had tons of experience working with it) hit me with a whole barrage of questions, and says she is satisfied that in my case it's not addiction. that was a relief I have to tell you.

Seventy eight, yr T willl be able to make that determination too - or has already done so - if I might suggest, for your own peace of mind, it's worth asking her yourself, instead of just relying on your own efforts to interpret.

Peace of mind is always a good thing!!