From networking events with coworkers to happy hours with friends, “sipping on a cold one” is often seen as synonymous with socializing. Indeed, studies show that approximately 60% of Americans report they drink alcohol. Yet, while alcohol companies continue to push the pressure to imbibe, it’s increasingly clear that drinking alcohol is not good for anyone’s health. For some of us, it can even be deadly. How can you tell the difference between social drinking and an emerging alcohol addiction? How can you know the answer to the secret question, Am I an alcoholic?

Social Drinking vs. Alcoholism 

The USDA advises adults to drink in moderation, limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages to one drink or less a day for women and two drinks or less a day for men. The World Health Organization went even further in a study released last year, saying, “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.” Of course, we all do things that can impact our health negatively, like wearing aluminum deodorant or drinking Diet Coke. 

When does your drinking go from being a vice to being a problem? The key factor when assessing social drinking behavior versus emerging alcohol addiction is dependency. These are five signs that suggest it may be time to consider help: 

1. Binge Drinking
2. Using Alcohol As A Coping Mechanism 
3. Secretive Alcohol Consumption 
4. Damaged Relationships 
5. Failed Attempt to Quit 

While each of these signs can present independently, they typically will present along with the others.

1: Binge Drinking 

Alcohol dependency leads to an increase in consumption as your body develops tolerance and requires more and more to get the same effects. The happy hour beverages with coworkers turns into an additional glass of wine when arriving home. The glass of wine after a hard day turns into a bottle. Less than two drinks in one setting is acceptable for women, but four or more drinks within a two-hour time span constitutes binge drinking. Binge drinking is a form of alcohol abuse and can lead to negative effects such as a loss of control over actions, memory loss due to blacking out, and many health repercussions. While social drinking may lower your inhibitions, it should not lead to the problematic behaviors that binge drinking causes. If you wake up the morning after happy hour drenched in shame and afraid to look at your phone, your use has probably gone beyond what is “social.”

2: Using Alcohol As A Coping Mechanism 

Individuals who socially drink may notice relief of anxiety, feelings of euphoria, and an ease of social interactions with others, but the key is that dependency is not present. If you find that you are using alcohol as a coping mechanism or a way to facilitate emotional release, you may be entering the realm of an addiction. Binge drinking behavior typically begins out of a belief that alcohol is easing anxiety and stress. On the contrary, one study shows that binge drinking leads to an increase in baseline cortisol levels, ultimately making you more stressed overall. Changes to the brain also impact healthy emotional cues, making it difficult to regulate and process emotions. While drinking is portrayed as a way to ‘take the edge off’, excessive consumption can actually make your symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions worse.

3: Secretive Alcohol Consumption

Increased alcohol consumption  — and the embarrassing things you do while you’re drunk — can create a wall of guilt and shame, making it harder to reach out for support. It is common for those who are struggling with addiction not only to isolate themselves; but also, to hide alcohol from family and friends. This might look like canceling plans with loved ones to stay home alone and drink. It could also look like hiding alcohol in closets and cabinets so family members don’t find it, or taking out your recyclable bottles when no one else is at home. Many folks who hide alcohol openly consume in front of their loved ones, but hide alcohol for additional consumption in secret. It creates a web of lies and shame that is hard to overcome.

4: Damaged Relationships 

An emerging alcohol addiction can crack and then shatter relationships with loved ones. Family members and friends may stop engaging with the individual suffering as behavior gets more concerning. If children are involved, there may even be a concern for safety. Alcohol addiction takes a toll on romantic relationships, too, as trust, reliability, and connection is broken. Individuals who may be questioning if they are struggling with alcohol addiction should take a look at their relationships and ask themselves honestly, “Could things be better if I quit?”

5: Failed Attempts to Quit

Sometimes, people struggling with drinking will reach a point where they want to make a lasting change. For many, though, it’s not that easy. Some may try pouring alcohol down the drain in the morning, only to hit the liquor store later that day. Others might experiment with setting limits, such as deciding not to drink hard liquor or only drinking on the weekends. That can be hard to stick to. Some even run into legal issues that temporarily scare them straight. These attempts are typically fleeting if alcohol addiction is at play. 

Seeking Help for Alcohol Addiction 

Ultimately, the reality is that people who don’t have a problem with drinking don’t obsess over whether they do. It’s important to know that you are not alone, and your situation is not hopeless. The root causes of alcohol abuse is unique to each person, and can be linked to social, economic, and genetic factors. Whatever the reason may be, with awareness and proper care, alcohol addiction can be treated. At Grace and Emerge, our recovery-supportive housing is a safe haven for women to reset and heal from alcohol addiction. Individuals struggling to quit are not broken. Contact us today to learn more about finding a path to recovery.