It is hard to define a certain criteria. I have a brother who is an alcoholic, funtioning one at that. He drinks all the time, starting in the morning.
When I drink, I admit I will only drink to get buzzed. That being said, I drink so seldomly and NEVER have an urge for it. If you told me today that I could never have a sip of alcohol again in my lifetime, I wouldn't even bat an eyelash. But when I do drink, on a few certain occasions, it is for the buzzed feeling. I think the last time I drank was sometime in 2007. I have never in my life ordered an alcoholic beverage in a restaurant while eating, or savored a glass of wine with food. I just hate the taste of alcohol that much. So I never crave it.
So for the fact that when I do drink, I drink for the effect, does that make me an alcoholic? Binge drinker? I think if it effects your daily life negatively, that is when you have to decide if it is a problem. I find alcohol to be so toxic to my system, it steers me clear.