Am I Drinking Too Much?

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to pause, reflect, and ask honest questions about our relationship with alcohol. One of the most common questions people ask themselves when they’re starting to explore change is: “Am I drinking alcoholically?”

It’s a tough question, not just because of the emotional weight it can carry, but because the line between drinking socially and drinking problematically isn’t always clear. At Moderation Management (MM), we believe that the real question isn’t whether you “qualify” for a label, but whether your drinking habits are aligned with the life you want to live.

What Does “Drinking Alcoholically” Even Mean?

For some, the phrase brings to mind stereotypes of addiction—extreme stories of hitting rock bottom. But in truth, many people drink in ways that cause harm well before things become extreme. You don’t need to lose your job, wreck a relationship, or black out to question your habits.

“Drinking alcoholically” can also mean:

• Drinking more than you intended
• Finding it hard to stop or say no once you’ve started
• Using alcohol to cope with stress, boredom, or anxiety
• Feeling guilt, regret, or discomfort about your drinking
• Noticing that alcohol is taking up more space in your life than you’d like

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. You’re simply becoming more aware. And that awareness is the first step toward positive change.

Why Labels Like “Drinking Alcoholically” Aren’t the Point

At MM, we don’t focus on diagnosing or labeling. Instead, we focus on empowering you to explore and improve your relationship with alcohol—on your own terms. Whether your goal is cutting back, taking breaks, or abstaining entirely, we’re here to support you.

This flexible approach is especially helpful for those who don’t identify with traditional recovery models but know something needs to shift. We understand that drinking exists on a spectrum, and so do the solutions.

What You Can Do Next

If you’re asking yourself, “Am I drinking alcoholically?” consider reframing the question:

• Is alcohol helping or hurting me?
• Do I feel proud of my drinking habits?
• What would it feel like to drink less—or not at all—for a while?

You don’t need all the answers right now. But exploring these questions with curiosity and compassion can be the beginning of something transformative.

Here are a few gentle ways to get started:

• Check out moderate drinking guidelines to reflect on your drinking patterns
• Join an MM meeting to connect with others who get it
• Use a drink tracker or BAC chart to increase your awareness
• Explore intermittent sobriety—periodic breaks to reset your habits

You’re Not Alone

Millions of people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol. You don’t have to fit into a rigid definition or wait until things get worse to make a change.

Curious about what moderation could look like for you? Our free meetings, online community, and affordable Kickstart program can guide you toward a healthier, more intentional relationship with alcohol.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be curious.

Join Us for the Moderation Mindset Event!

Want to learn more and connect with others on the moderation path? Don’t miss our upcoming Moderation Mindset Event in April 2025. This free virtual gathering offers inspiration, tools, and community support to help you rethink your relationship with alcohol in a way that works for you. Join us with zero-proof cocktail in hand!

Click here to learn more and register.