Recognizing the Signs of a Drinking Problem

It can be challenging to recognize when drinking has become a problem. We might convince ourselves we're fine because we only drink socially or believe we can stop anytime. We may feel reassured because we're still managing our responsibilities. However, being too close to the situation can cloud our judgment. What are the early warning signs of alcohol misuse? How can we become more aware of them? If you're questioning whether you have a drinking problem, you're in the right place. Let's explore this further.

What Constitutes a Drinking Problem?

What exactly do we mean by a "drinking problem"? Someone with a drinking problem may or may not have a clinical alcohol use disorder. Some people described as "problem drinkers" can reduce or stop drinking when they recognize its negative impact on their lives. However, if you've ever promised yourself you'd never get that drunk again—or sworn off alcohol entirely—only to find yourself doing exactly what you vowed not to do, your drinking might fall into the category of alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol misuse refers to any harmful use of alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking may be considered risky if it exceeds five or more drinks per day for men, or four or more drinks per day for women. However, even if you drink less than these amounts, you might still have a problem—particularly if alcohol is negatively affecting your health and well-being.

How to Identify Alcoholism: Key Warning Signs

While everyone's experience is unique, here are 11 common signs that may indicate a drinking problem:

• Drinking more or longer than intended: Being unable to control how much you drink, how long you drink, or how often you drink. This includes difficulty stopping once you've started.
• Developing tolerance: Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects over time. This happens as your brain adapts to alcohol and becomes less sensitive to its impact.
• Significant time spent on alcohol-related activities: Devoting excessive time and energy to obtaining alcohol, drinking it, and recovering from its effects—sometimes taking up entire days.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home due to drinking or hangovers. This might include missing work, deadlines, or family commitments.
• Giving up important activities: Prioritizing drinking over family, social, work, or recreational activities. You might notice that drinking has become your only form of "fun."
• Continuing despite relationship problems: Persisting with drinking even when it causes stress or damage to relationships with family, friends, or partners.
• Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying to stop or cut back on drinking but being unable to follow through.
• Strong cravings: Experiencing intense urges to drink that dominate your thoughts and may lead to drinking in inappropriate situations.
• Engaging in risky behaviors: Getting into dangerous situations while drinking, such as driving, swimming, operating machinery, or walking in unsafe areas.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms—like shakiness, anxiety, nausea, or irritability—when alcohol wears off or when trying to quit.
• Drinking despite health issues: Continuing to drink even when it's causing or worsening physical health problems, such as digestive issues, nerve damage, or sexual dysfunction.

Additional Considerations

A healthcare provider may diagnose alcohol misuse if they observe two or more of these signs based on your drinking patterns. This assessment typically looks at behavior over the past 12 months, though continuous daily use over three months can also lead to diagnosis.

Other psychological symptoms—often more noticeable to loved ones—can also indicate a problem. These may include mood swings, aggression, depression, anxiety, or irritability, especially when not drinking. Excessive alcohol can damage brain cells and disrupt dopamine production, leading to these reactions. In severe cases, people might experience memory loss, blackouts, or even hallucinations (known as alcohol-induced psychosis).

Moving Forward

If you've ever asked yourself, "Do I have a drinking problem?" it's possible that you do. Acknowledging this can be difficult, but it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Many people struggle with alcohol, and support is widely available. If you suspect you have a problem, the best step is to contact a healthcare provider and be open about your alcohol use.

Quitemate is also here to help. We've helped millions of people reduce their drinking or quit entirely, offering tools and community support for those looking to make a change.