re: What constitutes being an alcoholic or drunkard

To be diagnosed with AUD, individuals must meet any two of the below criteria within the same 12-month period:2

Using alcohol in higher amounts or for a longer time than originally intended.
Being unable to cut down on alcohol use despite a desire to do so.
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of alcohol.
Cravings, or a strong desire to use alcohol.
Being unable to fulfill major obligations at home, work, or school because of alcohol use.
Continuing to abuse alcohol despite negative interpersonal or social problems that are likely due to alcohol use.
Giving up previously enjoyed social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
Using alcohol in physically dangerous situations (such as driving or operating machinery).
Continuing to abuse alcohol despite the presence of a psychological or physical problem that is probably due to alcohol use.
Having a tolerance (i.e. needing to drink increasingly large or more frequent amounts of alcohol to achieve desired effect).
Developing symptoms of withdrawal when efforts are made to stop using alcohol.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA), women who have no more than 3 drinks on a given day and no more than 7 per week are at low-risk for developing AUD. For men, this low-risk range is defined as no more than 4 drinks on a given day and no more than 14 per week