It’s wise to be aware of these 12 signs of a possible drinking problem. But if  you think you or a loved one might have an alcohol problem, here is good news.

• Many people have a problem with their drinking, but few of them are alcoholic.
• Knowing the signs of a possible problem can help people head it off.
• Most people with a drinking problem solve it on their own without any outside help.
• And most diagnosed alcoholics actually can and do cut back their drinking to lower levels on their own. That’s according to U.S. government research¹

12 Signs of a Possible Drinking Problem

Knowing the signs of a possible drinking problem enables people to make changes early. That’s when it’s easier to do.

Here are signs to consider. In the past year, have you? (Count all that apply.)

• • Sometimes ended up consuming more alcohol, or drinking for a longer time, than you intended?
  • Had problems at work or school because of your drinking?
  • Sometimes wanted to reduce or stop your drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
  • Been arrested or had any other legal problems linked with your drinking?
  • Sometimes done things during or after drinking that were dangerous. Things such as driving, operating machinery, boating, swimming, or using power tools? Having unsafe sex or walking in a dangerous area?
  • Had to drink much more than in the past to get the same effect as before? Or the same amount of alcohol has much less effect than before?
  • Continued drinking even when it was making you feel physically or emotionally bad?
  • Had a memory blackout? That is, forgot what you did while drinking.
  • Think you spend too much time drinking or recovering from hangovers?
  • Had trouble with your family or friends because of your drinking?
  • Quit or cut back on important or pleasurable activities in order to drink?
  • Had problems taking care of your home or family because of your drinking?

The more of these signs that apply, the more it might be wise to consider cutting back.

Remember that you or your loved one can take effective steps now to reduce drinking. For concrete suggestions, visit Effective Help.

Possible Drinking Problem?

Web Pages

• • Cut Down Your Alcohol Drinking.
  • Self-Help Information.
  • Helping and Coping with a Problem-Drinking Loved One.

Some Options

There are a number of effective free or low-cost programs that many people find helpful. They include these.

• • Moderation Management
  • HAMS (Harm reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support)
  • LifeRing
  • SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
  • Women for Sobriety
  • SOS  (Secular Organizations for Sobriety)
  • Life Process Program.

Footnote

1. Alcoholics Can Recover from Alcoholism & Drink in Moderation.

Note

• • Neither this site nor your host gets any benefit from listing any program.