Am I an Alcoholic? 15 Honest Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

If you are asking yourself, "Am I an alcoholic?", you have likely already noticed a shift in your relationship with alcohol. Here is how to identify a drinking problem and what to do next.

April 2026
8 min read
TL;DR / Key Takeaways
  • Primary Indicator: An inability to limit or stop drinking once you start is a core symptom of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
  • Social Consequences: If your drinking affects your job, relationships, or health, it's a sign that needs attention.
  • Physical Signs: Tolerance (needing more to feel the effect) and withdrawal (shaking, anxiety) are advanced red flags.
  • The Question: Most social drinkers don't spend time wondering if they are alcoholic. Asking the question is often the first sign.

Quick Definition

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It ranges from mild to severe and is a clinical diagnosis that replaces the informal term "alcoholism."

Table of Contents

Why Asking "Am I an Alcoholic?" Matters

For many, the word "alcoholic" carries a heavy weight of stigma—a vision of someone who has lost everything and is drinking from a paper bag on a park bench. But in the modern recovery world, we recognize that **Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)** affects people in every tax bracket, profession, and neighborhood in Spokane.

Identifying these signs isn't about labeling yourself for shame; it's about gaining the clarity needed to reclaim your life before the consequences become permanent.

15 Honest Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

1. You can’t stop once you start

You tell yourself you'll only have two drinks, but you end up having six or more. This lack of a "stop switch" is a neurological hallmark of AUD.

2. You’ve tried to quit and failed

You make "deals" with yourself, like only drinking on weekends or never drinking before 5 PM, but you find yourself breaking these rules repeatedly.

3. You spend a lot of time drinking or recovering

Between the time spent obtaining alcohol, the act of drinking, and the "hangover days" spent recovering, alcohol consumes a significant portion of your week.

4. Your tolerance has increased significantly

It takes much more alcohol to reach the same level of relaxation or "buzz" than it used to. This is a sign that your brain chemistry is adapting to the substance.

5. You have cravings or a "mental obsession"

You find yourself thinking about your next drink at work, during lunch, or while driving home. It feels like an itch you have to scratch.

6. You’re neglecting responsibilities

Missing work, being late for school, or failing to take care of household chores because you’re either drinking or hungover.

7. You drink in dangerous situations

This includes drinking and driving, or drinking while operating machinery or caring for children, despite knowing the risks.

8. You’ve given up things you love

You no longer participate in hobbies, sports, or social activities you once enjoyed because they interfere with your drinking schedule.

9. You continue to drink despite health problems

Even after a doctor warns you about liver enzymes, high blood pressure, or stomach issues, you find it impossible to stop.

10. You drink alone or in secret

You hide bottles or finish your drink before meeting friends so they don't see how much you're actually consuming.

11. You use alcohol as your only coping mechanism

Whether you’re stressed, happy, sad, or bored, alcohol is the only tool in your kit for handling emotions.

12. You have memory blackouts

You wake up unable to remember parts of the previous night, even if you seemed "fine" to those around you.

13. Your relationships are strained

Friends or family members have expressed concern about your drinking, leading to arguments or your withdrawal from those relationships.

14. You feel shaky or anxious when you don't drink

These are early signs of physical withdrawal. If you need a "hair of the dog" to stop the shakes in the morning, your body has become dependent.

15. You’re reading this article

**Expert Note:** Social drinkers don't usually Google "signs of alcoholism." If you are seeking answers, your intuition is already signaling that something is wrong.

Social Drinking vs. Problem Drinking

It can be hard to tell the difference if everyone in your social circle drinks heavily. Here is a comparison to help clarify.

Feature Social Drinking Problem Drinking (AUD)
**Intent** To enhance an experience. To change how you feel or escape.
**Ability to Stop** Can easily stop after one or two. Difficulty stopping once started.
**Control** Drinking is a choice, not a need. Drinking feels like a compulsion.
**Consequences** Rarely causes social or legal issues. Continued use despite recurring problems.
**Health** Minimal impact on daily function. Can lead to withdrawal, tolerance, and organ damage.

The Step-by-Step Path to Recovery

If some of these signs resonate with you, here is how you can begin your journey toward sobriety in Spokane.

Step 1: Honest Self-Assessment

Take a day to track your drinking without judgment. Write down how much and why you drank.

Pro Tip: Download a recovery tracking app to see patterns you might be missing.

Common Pitfall: Underestimating the amount. Be brutally honest with yourself.

Step 2: Consult a Professional

Talk to your primary care doctor about your drinking. They can provide a medical diagnosis and check your physical health.

Pro Tip: If you live in Spokane, the [Spokane Valley Recovery Resources](/spokane-valley-recovery-resources.html) page lists local clinics.

Step 3: Explore Support Groups

Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery offer immediate community.

Pro Tip: Check out our guide on [AA & NA Meetings in Spokane](/blog/aa-na-meetings-spokane.html) to find a meeting today.

Step 4: Consider Professional Treatment

If you find you cannot stop on your own, inpatient or outpatient treatment may be necessary.

Pro Tip: Read about [Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab](/blog/inpatient-vs-outpatient-rehab-spokane.html) to see which fits your life.

Common Mistakes in Early Assessment

  1. Mistake: Comparing yourself to "worse" alcoholics.
    Fix: Don't wait until you've lost your house or job to seek help. Recovery is easier when you still have a foundation.
  2. Mistake: Trying to "white knuckle" a detox.
    Fix: Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. If you drink daily, seek professional medical detox.
  3. Mistake: Thinking a "break" will fix it.
    Fix: "Dry January" is great, but for those with AUD, it usually leads back to heavy drinking once the month ends. Look for long-term lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical professionals use 11 criteria to diagnose Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). If you find yourself unable to stop drinking once you start, experiencing cravings, or neglecting responsibilities to drink, you may have a problem.

The line is often defined by "consequences." If drinking causes problems in your relationships, health, or job, but you continue anyway, it has moved from heavy use to a disorder.

While some people can quit drinking alone, severe alcoholism can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Professional detox and support groups like AA are highly recommended for safety and long-term success.

Ready to Reclaim Your Life?

You don't have to do this alone. Spokane has one of the most active and welcoming recovery fellowships in the Pacific Northwest.

Find a Local Meeting Talk to Someone Explore Treatment Options
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About the Author

Written by the Get Sober Spokane Editorial Team in collaboration with local Spokane recovery professionals.

Last updated: April 15, 2026