Am I An Alcoholic Or Not? – When One Drink Becomes Ten

Are you afraid to ask yourself the question, “Am I an alcoholic?” Maybe you hesitate because you fear the answer. Opening up about your drinking, even just to yourself, can be daunting. You worry about judgment from others—or worse, what it might mean for your life if the answer isn’t what you want to hear.

But here’s the thing: asking the question is a step forward, not a sentence. It’s a moment of self-awareness, a chance to reflect, and possibly, a path to change.

One Boozy Beneficial Beverage … Or the Start of a Problem?

Some argue, “If you have just one alcoholic beverage per day, you are an alcoholic.” But is that really true? The reality is more nuanced. Moderate drinking, according to health professionals, is defined as one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Some studies suggest that occasional alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, might have certain health benefits. But let’s be honest—is that science, or just clever marketing?

My husband, for example, enjoys one beer in the evening, a couple of times a week after work. He doesn’t crave it, doesn’t drink more than he planned, and could easily do without it. To him, it’s simply a way to unwind. He’s never had to ask himself, “Am I an alcoholic?” because he doesn’t experience the loss of control that defines alcoholism.

But what happens when one beer is never enough?

When One Drink Turns Into Ten

For people like me, one drink was never just one drink. It was a doorway to another, and then another, until I was drowning. The thought of stopping after just one never crossed my mind. That was over 25 years ago, and today, I can say with pride that my husband has never seen me drunk. That fact alone means the world to me.

Alcoholism isn’t about how often you drink or even how much—it’s about control. Can you stop after one? Do you drink to escape, to cope, to numb? Does the idea of going without make you anxious?

My mother, back in the 70s, would make her Christmas party leftovers last for months, sipping just a couple of drinks each night. When the last drop was gone, she worried for a moment—could she go without? Turns out, she could. She simply didn’t have the same battle that some of us face.

“Am I An Alcoholic?” The Toughest Question to Answer

The truth is, there’s no single definition of what makes someone an alcoholic. It’s not about whether you drink every day or only on weekends. It’s about what happens when you drink. Do you feel a loss of control? Do you make promises to yourself that you won’t drink tonight, only to break them? Have you noticed that alcohol has become a bigger part of your life than you ever intended?

If you’re reading this and feeling uneasy, maybe it’s time to look a little deeper. This post also tackles an age-old problem and asks 7 questions.

The Path to Sobriety Starts With Awareness

If you’re questioning your drinking, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our 66-Day Program, Life’s Better Sober, is a step-by-step guide to help you break free from the hold alcohol may have on you. It’s not about judgment or labels—it’s about reclaiming control. Each day, you’ll have a chance to reflect, hold yourself accountable, and develop a new habit: showing up for yourself, sober.

If someone shared this post with you, take it as a sign. Visit A New Sober You for more information. And if you’re ready to take the next step, you can access the full Life’s Better Sober eBook below. Sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol—it’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from.

Hold yourself accountable. Note down your feelings. Read Susan’s words of wisdom and create a new lasting habit of sobriety. If someone shared this post with you, please visit A New Sober You for more info. Please feel free to read our whole program in eBook form below:

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Post Image Used by Permission of Camtasia Assets 2018 Susan Gast