Hey Dave, I know this is a bit of a personal question, but have you really *never* drank *any* Alcohol at all in your life? Not a drop? Not a sip of beer? A smidgen of liquor? Nothing? I mean, I've even gotten my Mormon friend to taste beer (he's still never had tea though, ever, which is sad to be honest).
You're obviously not Mormon or religious, so it can't be for those reasons. If you've never had any, you can't be an alcoholic. Unless Alcoholism runs in your family and you're just being smart, in which case mad props as that's quite a commitment.
Personally, I could do without the effects of the alcohol, I just really like the taste. Though, the alcohol itself adds to the taste, so you can't do without it. (Nearbeer isn't even close to being the same.)