That's what we teach. We have a good book we give to medical students and residents that goes over this, but it's very easy to assess alcoholism. Two positives show a high likelihood of alcoholism. The physician can ask these questions while fixing a toe. It's analogous to finding high risk or vague symptoms of heart disease - further evaluation is warranted.
Alcoholism is an illness.
It requires medical intervention. There is a clear course of this illness and it does respond to treatment. Even the strongest and most virtuous people are afflicted.