For many people, drinking is a normal part of social life. A glass of wine with dinner, a pint at the weekend, or a toast at a wedding. All seemingly harmless. But for some, drinking becomes more than just a way to unwind. It can slowly take over daily life, relationships, work, and mental health.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, Am I drinking too much? or more seriously, how do I know if I’m an alcoholic? – you’re not alone.

At Ocean Recovery, we speak to people every day who are questioning their relationship with alcohol. This article is here to help you understand what alcoholism is, the signs to look out for in yourself, and what steps you can take if you’re becoming concerned about your drinking.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism (medically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD)) is a medical condition where a person is unable to control their patterns of drinking despite negative consequences. It’s not just about how much you drink, but how it affects your life, your ability to stop, and the role it plays in your routine.

It’s important to note that alcoholism exists on a spectrum. You don’t need to be drinking in the morning or have frequent, prolonged drinking episodes to have a problem. In fact:

Many people with alcohol dependency still hold down jobs, raise families, and appear ‘functional’ on the surface.

More detailed information on alcohol addiction

How do I Know if I’m an Alcoholic?

Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for. You don’t need to tick every box, just recognising a few could be a red flag.

1. You Can’t Just Stop or Cut Down

You’ve tried to cut back on drinking or stop completely, but you haven’t been able to stick to it. You may start with the intention of having ‘just one or two’, but almost always end up drinking far more.

2. Drinking Has Become a Daily Habit

You find yourself drinking every day or most days, often at the same time. You might even feel anxious, irritable, or physically unwell if you don’t have a drink, which could be a sign you’re getting withdrawal symptoms.

3. You Drink to Cope

You use alcohol to deal with stress, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, or other emotional difficulties. It becomes your go-to method for coping, rather than just something you enjoy.

4. You Prioritise Drinking Over Other Activities

You’ve lost interest in hobbies, exercise, or social events that don’t involve alcohol. Your plans often revolve around when and where you can drink.

5. Your Relationships Are Suffering

Alcohol has caused tension with loved ones, partners, children, or colleagues. You may have lied about your drinking, hidden it, or acted differently when intoxicated.

6. You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop drinking, you experience symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, nausea, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. These are signs your body has developed a dependence.

7. You’ve Developed a High Tolerance

You need to drink more than you used to in order to feel the effects. Over time, your body adjusts, and it takes more alcohol to get the same sort of buzz.

8. You’re Starting to Feel Guilty or Ashamed About Your Drinking

Before, you might not have given it a second thought. But now, you might find yourself waking up regretting how much you drank the night before, or worrying about what you might have said or done and whether you’re in control anymore.

Quick Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re unsure whether your drinking is a problem, here are some questions to reflect on. Be honest, there’s no judgment here.

  • Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
  • Do you get annoyed when others criticise your drinking?
    Do you feel guilty about drinking?
  • Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or feel better?

These four questions form the CAGE questionnaire, which is a widely used screening tool (not a diagnostic tool). So answering yes to two or more may indicate a problem with alcohol.

The Grey Area: Not An Alcoholic, But…

Many people fall into what’s known as the grey area of drinking. They don’t consider themselves alcoholics and may not experience full-blown withdrawal symptoms, but they also don’t feel fully in control of their drinking.

If you:

  • Frequently think about when you’ll drink next
  • Struggle with moderation
  • Feel your mood depends on alcohol
  • Use alcohol as a reward or escape

…then it’s still worth seeking support. You don’t need to hit ‘rock bottom’ to make a change.

What Should I Do If I Think I’m an Alcoholic?

One of, if not the biggest barrier, that stops people from seeking the help and support needed is the stigma associated with alcohol use disorder.

Many people feel shame, guilt, or fear of judgment. But alcoholism is not about weakness or lack of willpower. It is a chronic, progressive condition that affects both the brain and body. Just as no one chooses to develop asthma or diabetes, no one chooses to become addicted to alcohol. If any of this article has resonated with you, the most important thing to know is: you are not alone, and help is available.

Step 1: Speak to Someone

This could be your GP, a trusted friend or family member, or a support line. Sharing your concerns out loud is often the first step toward change.

Step 2: Seek Professional Help

Recovery is possible. But doing it alone can be dangerous, especially if you’re physically dependent. Detoxing without medical supervision can lead to seizures, delirium tremens, or other serious complications.

At Ocean Recovery, we provide safe, medically supervised detox in a supportive environment, followed by comprehensive therapy to help you understand and overcome the root causes of addiction.

Step 3: Explore Support Groups

Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, or online forums can offer community, accountability, and encouragement from people who’ve been where you are.

Final Thoughts: How Do I Know If I’m an Alcoholic?

If you’re asking the question, ‘Am I an alcoholic?’ it means you’re paying attention. That in itself is a decisive first step.

You don’t need to wait until things get worse to seek help. Whether you’re drinking more than you’d like, feeling out of control, or simply exhausted by the cycle, you deserve support, not shame.

At Ocean Recovery, we’re here to listen, not judge. We’ve helped thousands of people reclaim their lives from alcohol—and we can help you too.

Ready to Talk?

If you’re concerned about your drinking or if you’re ready to take that first step toward recovery, get in touch with our compassionate team at Ocean Recovery today.

We offer:

  • 24/7 medical care during detox
  • Private en-suite rooms in a calming coastal setting
  • Evidence-based therapies, including CBT, group therapy, and one-to-one counselling
  • Holistic therapies
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Ongoing aftercare to support you long after you leave

Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, whether you’re a high-functioning professional, a young adult, or someone who’s struggled for decades. Call us on 01253 847 553 for more information today.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: May 12, 2025

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.