--- title: Am I an Alcoholic? description: Am I an alcoholic? What are the signs? Where can I go to get help? Visit our website today to get all the answers. image: https://www.theclearingnw.com/hubfs/Am-I-an-Alcoholic--.jpg --- [![20130627_TheClearing_Logo_WhiteType_Transparent_215x78](https://www.theclearingnw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/20130627_TheClearing_Logo_WhiteType_Transparent_215x78.png?width=215&name=20130627_TheClearing_Logo_WhiteType_Transparent_215x78.png)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/) - [Home](https://www.theclearingnw.com) - [Program](https://www.theclearingnw.com/substance-abuse-programs) - [What We Treat](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/what-we-treat) - [Dual Diagnosis](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/what-we-treat/dual-diagnosis) - [Underlying Core Issues](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/how-were-different/underlying-core-issues) - [Our Non 12 Step Program](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/non-12-step-rehab) - [Spiritual Psychology](https://www.theclearingnw.com/spiritual-psychology) - [Testimonials](https://www.theclearingnw.com/rehab-reviews-and-testimonials) - Resources - [Video Resource Center](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/addiction-treatment-video-resource-center) - [Recovery Resources](https://www.theclearingnw.com/recovery-resources) - [Blog](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog) # Am I an Alcoholic? Post Date March 14, 2017 Author [Gregg Makuch](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/author/gregg-makuch) Subscribe to blog: click here to subscribe ### Subscribe by Email Sign up for weekly updates Close ![Man-Wondering-Am-I-an-Alcoholic](https://www.theclearingnw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Am%20I%20an%20Alcoholic%3F.jpg?width=588&name=Am%20I%20an%20Alcoholic%3F.jpg "Man-Wondering-Am-I-an-Alcoholic") If recent developments have you wondering about your alcohol consumption, you’re not alone. “Am I an alcoholic?” “Did I drink too much and act out at the party?” If these kinds of thoughts come up frequently, it’s time to evaluate your behavior pattern. ## Understanding an Alcohol Use Disorder Alcoholism is only one facet of an alcohol use disorder. Because the medical community generally classifies the condition as a disease, looking at other symptoms can make it easier to answer the question, “Am I an alcoholic?” - **Binge drinking:** - For men, binge drinking involves consuming five or more drinks in a two-hour period. - For women, it would be four or more drinks. - Consistent abuse in this form can lead to serious consequences. - **Heavy drinking**: Some individuals binge drink infrequently. However, what happens when you binge drink two or three times in one week? - In order to qualify as a heavy drinker, you would have to consume 14 alcoholic beverages in a week. - Three binge episodes puts almost every drinker at this threshold. - At this point, you may very well have a problem. - **Defying the stereotype:** Do you have a steady job, financial security, a place to live, and good outward physical health? If so, most would hesitate to call you out on your drinking. However, even if you don’t look like the stereotypical alcoholic, those with struggling with functional alcoholism should also consider getting help. ## Am I an Alcoholic? You don’t have to meet the criteria of the stereotypical alcohol-dependent individual to have a problem. > The term “high-functioning alcoholics” describes individuals who hide a drinking problem from those around them. The term “high-functioning alcoholics” describes individuals who hide a drinking problem from those around them. Nevertheless, you can only go on lying to yourself for so long. Consider these questions: 1. Does [alcohol abuse](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/what-we-treat) interfere with your ability to perform well in school or at work? 2. Has drinking prevented you from helping your child with homework or attending one of her/his events? 3. Have you encountered legal issues involving alcohol? 4. Do your thoughts revolve around having the next drink? 5. Does your body signal to you that you’ve been without alcohol for too long? ## Stop Trying to Manage Your Drinking and Get Help Since an alcohol use disorder has varying degrees, yours may be a mild case. However, if you find yourself asking, “Am I an alcoholic?”, it may mean that it’s time to quit. Call us today at 425-275-8600 to learn how our [residential rehab](https://www.theclearingnw.com/) can help you put down the bottle for good.   ### [Download E-Book Healing Core Issues](https://www.theclearingnw.com/downloads/free-copy-healing-underlying-core-issues-ungated) [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Gregg Makuch](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/a349778d72872c9d6f8bcf3238b292c6) This post was written by [Gregg Makuch](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/author/gregg-makuch) Gregg helps get the word out about The Clearing. When he’s not riding his bike and enjoying the beauty of the San Juan Islands, Gregg loves to cook and spend time with his family. 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