Am I an Alcoholic? Signs You Might Be Struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
“Am I an alcoholic?”
If you’ve ever found yourself asking this question — even quietly in your head — it’s worth exploring. You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to realise something isn’t right with your relationship with alcohol. In fact, simply wondering about your drinking habits is a strong sign that something deeper might be going on.
At The Freedom Room, we hear this question every day. And it’s not always asked outright — sometimes it’s a whisper of worry, a hint of doubt, or the quiet hope that someone will say, “No, you’re fine.” But here’s the truth: people who have a truly healthy relationship with alcohol usually don’t wonder if they’re drinking too much. So if you’re asking… you’re not alone.
What Does It Mean to Be an “Alcoholic”?
When many people hear the word alcoholic, they picture a stereotype — someone homeless, jobless, or drinking out of a paper bag in a park. That image is not only outdated, it’s dangerous. Because it stops thousands of people from seeking help simply because they don’t look like they have a problem.
Alcoholism, or more accurately, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is not about appearances. It affects people from all walks of life — teachers, nurses, business owners, parents, tradies, students. AUD doesn’t care how much money you make or how “together” your life looks on the outside.
So, What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
AUD is a medical condition. It’s when alcohol starts to take priority over your wellbeing, relationships, health, or responsibilities — even when you’ve tried to stop or cut back.
It can sneak up slowly. What begins as a few drinks after work to relax can evolve into a pattern that feels hard to break. You might start needing more to feel the same effect. You might try to stop but find yourself reaching for another drink anyway. And you might start to feel guilt, anxiety, or shame about your drinking — but not know how to talk about it.
Signs You Might Have a Problem with Alcohol
If you’re not sure whether your drinking has crossed a line, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- Do you think about drinking often — planning it, looking forward to it, or hiding it?
- Do you use alcohol to manage emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness, or anger?
- Do you ever feel guilty, ashamed, or secretive about how much you’re drinking?
- Have loved ones expressed concern about your drinking or behaviour when drinking?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop drinking, but keep going back to it?
- Do you ever forget parts of your night or experience blackouts after drinking?
- Do you drink alone or feel like you need to hide how much you’re consuming?
- Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms like shaking, nausea, anxiety, or insomnia when trying to stop?
If any of these sound familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means it might be time to explore your relationship with alcohol more deeply — and get support.
What You Can Do If You’re Worried About Your Drinking
The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone. If you’re asking yourself “Am I an alcoholic?”, there are compassionate and effective ways to get help — without shame or judgment.
🩺 Talk to a medical professional
Your GP can help you assess your drinking and point you toward safe, evidence-based support options.
🧠 Connect with a therapist or counsellor
A trained addiction therapist can help you explore why you drink, what’s underneath it, and how to build a healthier life — without relying on alcohol.
🤝 Find a support group
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery offer peer support from others who understand what you’re going through.
🏡 Explore a recovery program
Depending on your needs, you might benefit from an outpatient support program — something flexible, affordable, and holistic. That’s exactly what we offer at The Freedom Room.
The Freedom Room: A Real, Affordable Alternative to Rehab
At The Freedom Room, we offer a 12-week wellness and recovery program that helps people address their relationship with alcohol while still living their daily lives. You don’t have to step out of your life for six weeks. You can heal right where you are — with the right support around you.
We offer:
- Individual counselling
- Group recovery meetings
- Workshops and journaling sessions
- Relapse prevention planning
- Family-inclusive sessions
- Holistic therapies like sound healing and mindfulness
And here’s what makes us different: every member of our team is in recovery themselves. That lived experience makes a world of difference — because we don’t just understand what you’re going through, we’ve been there.
Still Not Sure? That’s Okay.
If you’re still unsure whether you have a problem with alcohol, that’s completely normal. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that uncertainty.
You can reach out. You can ask questions. You can listen to our Freedom Room podcast, talk to a peer, or book a confidential chat with one of our counsellors.
You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. The earlier you reach out, the easier it is to make changes and reclaim your life.
💛 Support That’s Within Reach
If you’re asking “Am I an alcoholic?”, you’re already being brave. You’re facing something many people avoid for years. And that honesty is the very first step toward healing.
The Freedom Room is here to walk with you — without judgment, without pressure, just support, care, and tools that actually work.
Visit www.thefreedomroom.com.au to learn more, or reach out directly to book a free, confidential call.