(Not in response to anyone, just a general observation)

I think the umbrella of alcoholism covers a variety of different drinking problems. Some people can't get through the day without drinking  - I knew a woman who woke up every morning with 'the shakes' and needed several drinks to get risd of them before she was fit to start the day. Others do not crave drinkon a daily basis, but if they have one  they cana't stop until they have drunk themselves into oblivion. 

if you are a compulsive binge drinker, then I guess cold turkey might be the only way, but for others I can see how, once the addiction has been broken, it might be possbible to enjoy the occsional drink.