Do I Have a Drinking Problem? How to Recognize the Signs and What to Do Next

In today’s world, drinking is so woven into our culture – from celebrations and social gatherings to winding down after a long day – that it can be hard to know when casual drinking crosses a line.

If you’ve ever found yourself quietly wondering, “Do I have a drinking problem?” – you’re not alone. Many people wrestle with this question, especially here in the US, where drinking is often normalized or even encouraged.

Asking yourself this question is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength. It shows you’re willing to take an honest look at your well-being and consider what’s best for your future.

In this article, we’ll explore what it really means to have a drinking problem – from the signs to watch out for to how alcoholism can affect you and your family – and the support options available if you decide it’s time to seek help.

What does alcohol use disorder actually look like?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), more commonly referred to as alcoholism, doesn’t always look the way people expect. It’s not always dramatic or obvious. In many cases, it hides in plain sight.

You might still be going to work, handling responsibilities, and showing up for others. But inside, things might feel off – more stress, more anxiety, less control, more guilt.

Alcoholism is a medical condition that exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe. It isn’t defined by how often you drink or how much, but by the impact alcohol is having on your life, your health, and your well-being.

Many people don’t realize they have a problem because drinking is so normalized. And unfortunately, there’s no single test that can tell you if you have a drinking problem or not. Instead, it’s diagnosed by looking at patterns – how, why, and when you drink, and what happens as a result. But often, one of the most important clues is your own instinct that something isn’t right.

If you’re beginning to question your drinking, or feel uneasy about it, that’s worth listening to. Tuning into those early signs is a meaningful first step toward change.

Signs you may have a drinking problem

If you’re questioning your drinking habits, or if loved ones have expressed concern, it’s worth paying attention. 

Here are some common signs that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol:

• Frequently drinking more than intended, or struggling to cut back even when you want to.
• Spending lots of time drinking or recovering from its effects (hangovers, sluggishness).
• Using alcohol to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom.
• Craving alcohol or feeling unable to relax or socialize without it.
• Loved ones expressing concerns about your drinking.
• Being secretive about your drinking, or feeling guilty or ashamed.
• Continuing to drink despite it causing problems at work, home, or with your health.
• Putting yourself or others at risk as a result of your drinking.
• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect, or drinking heavily alone.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or anxiety.

Another helpful way to gauge if you have a drinking problem is the AUDIT self-screening tool. It’s a simple 10-question test, developed by the World Health Organization, which assesses your patterns of alcohol use and the impact it may be having on your health and well-being. 

Even if your results suggest only mild concerns or if you only recognize a few of the above signs in yourself, speaking with a mental health counselor at this stage can be incredibly beneficial. 

Remember – if you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, there’s probably a reason for that. And alcohol use disorder counseling or therapy isn’t just for those in crisis – it’s a proactive way to explore what’s going on beneath the surface, gain clarity, and start building healthier coping strategies. The earlier you reach out, the more options you have, and the easier it can be to create lasting change.

How alcoholism affects you and your family

Alcohol can affect almost every part of your life – from your physical health to your closest relationships. 

The impacts may not always be immediate or obvious, but over time, they tend to build.

Physically, alcohol use can increase your risk of liver disease, heart problems, and certain cancers. It can interfere with your sleep, suppress your immune system, and contribute to long-term cognitive changes like memory loss or brain fog. It also affects mental health, often worsening symptoms of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

But alcohol’s effects don’t stop with you. When it comes to alcoholism and how it affects the family, the impacts can be just as profound:

• Emotional strain: Worry, frustration, and sadness are common among loved ones.
• Broken trust: Promises made under the influence or forgotten after drinking can damage relationships.
• Increased conflict: Small issues may escalate more easily, leading to arguments and distance.
• Modeling of unhealthy behaviors: Children may begin to see drinking as a normal way to deal with stress or emotions
• Confusion or anxiety: Especially for children, who may not understand what’s going on or feel safe
• Resentment: Partners may find themselves handling more responsibilities, both emotional and practical

Acknowledging these impacts isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding why getting support matters – not just for yourself, but for the people who care about you, too.

Help and support: What alcoholism treatment actually looks like

If you’ve never reached out for support before, you might be picturing something formal or intimidating – like rehab or group therapy circles. But treatment for alcohol use can be incredibly flexible and personalized. 

Many people begin by trying self-help approaches: cutting back on their own, tracking their drinking, or leaning on supportive friends. Sometimes, that’s enough. But if you find yourself stuck in the same patterns or feeling overwhelmed, professional support can make all the difference. 

Here’s what getting professional support for alcohol can look like:

• One-on-one counseling: Private, personalized sessions that help you explore your relationship with alcohol, understand your triggers, and build healthier coping strategies.
• Group therapy: A chance to connect with others who understand what you’re going through – and to realize you’re not alone.
• Online counseling: Confidential support from the comfort of home, with scheduling that fits into your day.

You don’t have to commit to anything intense right away. Sometimes, a single conversation with a counselor is enough to bring a wave of relief, and to help you figure out what kind of support feels right for you.

Understanding the stages of recovery for alcoholism – and where therapy fits

Recovery from alcoholism isn’t one big decision – it’s a series of smaller, powerful steps. And one of the most important first steps is acknowledging that alcohol may be causing harm. That quiet realization, even if it’s just a feeling that something needs to change, is where recovery often begins.

Here’s how the journey typically unfolds, and the main stages of recovery for alcoholism: 

1. Contemplation: You start questioning if you have a drinking problem and weighing the pros and cons of alcohol. As you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you’re already in this stage – and that alone is a meaningful sign of progress.
2. Preparation: You begin exploring your options, setting intentions, and thinking about what support you might need. This is often the stage when people first reach out to explore therapy options or talk to someone they trust.
3. Action: You take concrete steps – such as starting therapy or joining a support group – to reduce or stop drinking, and start building healthier habits and routines.
4. Maintenance: You focus on staying sober, navigating life’s ups and downs without alcohol, and continuing to grow into your new chapter.

While it can be possible to navigate this whole journey alone and successfully change your relationship with alcohol, it’s not easy, and most people need – and greatly benefit from – some form of support. 

Therapy or counseling for alcohol use disorder is particularly helpful, as it can support you through every one of these stages:

• Early on, it can help you explore your feelings without pressure or judgment.
• During active change, it gives you tools to manage cravings, cope with emotions, and avoid common triggers.
• In the long term, therapy helps you reconnect with your values, strengthen your relationships, and prevent relapse.

There are many different types of therapy that can support your journey – from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to family therapy and trauma-informed approaches. 

And if in-person sessions aren’t realistic right now, online counseling options offer flexible, private support from wherever you are.

Studies show that therapy isn’t just helpful, it’s protective. People who continue with therapy over time are far more likely to maintain their progress and build lasting recovery. Because real change isn’t about willpower alone – it’s about having the right tools, support, and guidance to keep moving forward.

Talk to REACH Ohio about alcohol use disorder counseling

If you’re asking yourself if you have a drinking problem, you already know something isn’t right, and that is already a meaningful step toward change.

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. And you don’t have to reach “rock bottom.”
Seeking support now can help you protect your health, rebuild relationships, and create a brighter future – on your terms.

At Reach Behavioral Health, we believe in compassionate, non-judgmental care that meets you where you are. If you’re ready to explore your relationship with alcohol and take steps toward a healthier life, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our alcohol use disorder counseling options in Ohio.
Your journey to a stronger, healthier you can start today.