I think there is some truth to it.

If you need alcohol to relax or have a habit of drinking regularly, I do think you might be an alcoholic. It's something I struggle with and worry about. I do enjoy alcohol, I like a glass of wine when I get home from work, I sometimes like to have a beer for happy hour..... Do I get drunk every time I have a drink? No, I usually know when to stop, but not all alcoholics are drunk all the time, nor do they always drink till they are drunk.

I think there are various degrees of alcoholism.