Anyone who drinks is looking for whatever effect they receive, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that. For example:

"For most normal folks [who are able to drink with complete control], drinking means conviviality, companionship and colorful imagination. It means release from care, boredom and worry. It is joyous intimacy with friends and a feeling that life is good." ("A.A.", page 151)

But that can quickly change when either of two factors is present:

1. Some people drink to escape reality rather than learning to deal with it;
2. Some people cannot drink for any reason at all without losing control.

Trying to prove she or he is "normal" (rather than self-medicating while expecting more than the alcohol can actually produce) and/or trying to drink with control rather than having each drink physically demand more alcohol -- an actual phenomenon of physical craving beyond all mental control -- are symptoms of alcoholism.