How do I know if my drinking is becoming a problem?

The line between social drinking and problem drinking can be blurry, especially in a culture where alcohol is deeply embedded in social activities, Psychological stress relief, and celebration. Many people who develop drinking problems don't fit the stereotype of someone who's lost everything—they're functional, successful people who gradually find themselves relying on alcohol more than they're comfortable with. Some signs that drinking might be becoming problematic include: drinking more than you intended on a regular basis, feeling anxious or irritable when you can't drink, using alcohol as your primary way to cope with Psychological stress or difficult emotions, lying about how much you drink, or finding that alcohol is interfering with your Interpersonal relationship, work, or health. If you're questioning your drinking, that questioning itself is significant—most people with healthy Interpersonal relationship to alcohol don't spend much time worrying about it. It's important to understand that addictive behaviors exists on a spectrum, and you don't have to hit rock bottom to benefit from examining your relationship with alcohol. Many people find that their lives improve significantly when they reduce or eliminate drinking, even if they wouldn't have been diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder. If you're concerned about your drinking, consider talking to a healthcare provider, attending a support group, or simply experimenting with periods of sobriety to see how you feel.