How do I know if I am using alcohol socially or am suffering from an addiction ?

1.) .Is alcohol consumption affecting your life adversely eg.work/relationships. 2.Is your alcohol consumption similar to that of your friends/peers (judge this carefully though they may be addicts too). 3.Do you feel you could live and function just as well without alcohol. So once you have considered these questions and if you still have concerns it might be best to ask someone outside the situation such as a medical proffesional, because regardless of whether it can be classed as an 'addiction' there are guidelines on consumption of alcohol for health reasons.

As somebody who has battled my demons with alcohol and alcoholism I think that there's a clear distinction between social and addiction. If you find yourself drinking to numb yourself and enjoy the lack of cognitive ability reducing your stresses then that could easily become and addiction. If that is the case then it boils down to intake in which case excessive amounts to achieve the previously listed effects would be considered an addiction. If you're just out with your friends having a laugh and there's drink around to enhance the experience then that's nothing more than socially drinking even if it is regularly

If you think it's hurting you in a way or many ways then it's addiction. If you feel like you have to use it to feel 'normal', that is a telltale sign of addiction.

If you feel that alcohol is hindering your ability to perform in areas of your life, or you feel that you "need" alcohol to create or maintain a certain mood or feeling, then you may want to speak with a professional. Additionally, you could also try a self-report questionnaire like this onehttps://www.ncadd.org/get-help/take-the-test/am-i-alcoholic-self-test. If you feel like you require professional help, you can use this site to either sign up for online therapy with a licensed therapist, or find a therapist/counselor in your area. You can also use the directory on Psychology Todayat https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms. I hope this helps. Please remember that I am not a licensed mental health professional myself. I wish you the best of luck.

To be a social drinker means to drink mostly when you're with other people, in a scenario where drinking is the norm. Somebody with an alcohol addiction might find themselves drinking alone, or feeling a bit lost if they try not to drink for a period of time.

Do you feel like you need to have alcohol to feel right? Or do you just do it when with friends just have fun? It depends on which way you use it, if you use it to feel okay then you may be suffering from addiction.

Firstly do you feel the need to drink To drink only socially or do you find yourself having a drink alone? Do you know anyone that has suffered from addiction that’s making you feel this way? Or do you believe the environment where you drink Is becoming overwhelming and addicting? Using alcohol socially is drinking on occasion with friends and going out having drinks. Suffering from addiction can be tricky because you must not realize it. About how many drinks would you say you have per day? Do you feel like you need to drink all of the time? Would you be interested in the 7 cups guide hotline for further details on addiction?

You could go to the doctor and ask them. Or google to the criteria for being an addict. But how often do you go out? How many drinks do you have per night? And do you have any on days you don’t go out with people? But it’s not the addiction itself that would be my main concern for you. If you were addicted, you’d have to want to get better and enroll yourself into rehab. They can help you get out of any addiction you may have