How Do You Know If You Have a Drinking Problem? A Useful Guide

Do you think you might have a drinking problem but aren’t quite sure?

It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have a drinking problem, especially if you’re surrounded by others who like to imbibe. Additionally, it can sometimes be very hard to admit to yourself that you have a drinking problem.

So, how do you know if you have a drinking problem?

Check out this guide to discover the top signs you have a drinking problem.

You’ve Contemplated This Question Frequently

If you find that you’re frequently asking yourself, “Do I have a drinking problem?”, then chances are, the answer is yes.

The thing is, most people who don’t have a drinking problem will never ask themselves this question. If you find that you’re frequently questioning your drinking habits, then there’s a good chance something deeper is going on and you need to explore your relationship with alcohol further.

You’ve Experienced Negative Consequences Because of Alcohol

If you’ve experienced negative consequences because of your drinking, then there’s a chance that you might have a drinking problem.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you injured yourself or someone else when drinking?
• Have you lost valuable items when drunk?
• Have you said hurtful things to friends or family members when drinking?
• Has drinking caused you to be late for or miss work?
• Do you fight with your partner or loved ones when drinking?
• Have you driven drunk or did something else to put yourself in danger?

While everyone has the occasional bad experience when drinking, if you notice these negative experiences piling up, then there’s a chance you have a drinking problem. You may want to check out the Stop Drinking Expert to learn how to take control of your problem.

Drinking Has Become a Priority

If alcohol has become a priority in your life, then that’s another sign that you may have a drinking problem.

For example, if you find that you’re choosing drinking over spending time with family and friends, studying, getting work done, or other things that used to be important to you, then that’s a sign that you’re prioritizing alcohol.

Also, if you’re prioritizing it to the point that it’s affecting your daily life (ie, you’re prioritizing it over studying and therefore failing your classes), then that’s a further sign that you have a problem.

You Can Answer “Yes” to These Questions

If you can answer “yes”, to some of these questions, then there’s also a chance that you have a drinking problem:

• Do you use alcohol to escape from your problems?
• Do you drink more than you intended more often than not?
• Do you notice you frequently drink more than others?
• Do you depend on alcohol to relax?
• Does your desire to drink get in the way of daily activities?
• Do you have a drink because you feel like you need one?
• Do you use alcohol to avoid uncomfortable feelings?
• Do you consistently feel lousy the day after drinking?

Asking yourself these types of questions can tell you a lot about your relationship with alcohol.

How Do You Know If You Have a Drinking Problem?: Wrap up

Now that you’ve read this guide on “How do you know if you have a drinking problem?”, it’s time to get real with yourself.

If you find yourself identifying with a lot of this article, then it’s time to seek help for your problem. Be sure to check back in with our blog for more tips and tricks on dealing with addiction.