The Big Book says if you can't stop once started or you can't choose to go a day successfully without drinking you are an alcoholic.
I have been to AA across the decades a half dozen times. Sober for a year or more on at least one occasion.
I don't black out, but I have occasionally if drinking strong beer or wine. Can count on one/two many fingered hand(s) if the entire collection is embraced. The exception, but I literally do not remember passages of the night before.
Based on history, I like 8 to twelve beers a day. However, easy not to drink at all if I feel hung over/lethargic. If anyone remembers my thread about ceasing Adderal (stimulant) for ADD, this is the reason for my question. I am now way more aware of my body reactions to alcohol, crappy food with big salt, any lack of sleep, etc.
Never pissed on myself, puked in my sleep except twice as a kid (barfing from "shooting" beers).
I know the answer, unfortunately.