Do I need Alcoholics Anonymous?

[mammothvolcano594]

If you can stop drinking without cravings or suffering from withdrawal symptoms then you are not a full-blown alcoholic, at least not yet.
There are drinkers who are described, as you said, as binge or problem drinkers.
And also, as you say, you are self-medicating and it sounds as if you are habituating this problem.
Answer: You may not need AA, but you certainly need counseling or therapy before you become an alcoholic IF you cannot stop / control your drinking of your own accord and will power.