Sometimes, it’s tough to assess our own habits objectively, especially with drinking. Social norms, stress, and lifestyle changes can all make it hard to see whether alcohol has become too central in our lives. If you’ve ever wondered about your relationship with alcohol, here are a few questions that might help bring clarity:

• Have you tried to stop drinking for a week or a month, only for something to come up that breaks your dry spell? Many people set limits on their drinking but find them hard to maintain. Occasional exceptions might be normal, but a persistent inability to stay dry can be a red flag.
• Do you ever feel judged by others for your drinking? Whether it’s comments from friends, family, or colleagues, feeling the need to defend or explain your drinking could suggest you’re aware of how it’s perceived by others—or perhaps by yourself.
• Have you switched drinks to consume less alcohol? Changing from high-alcohol drinks to those with lower alcohol content can feel like a compromise, but it might indicate you’re attempting to moderate or control your intake.
• Have you experienced any problems due to drinking in the past year? Financial issues, relationship tension, or trouble at work often creep in when drinking gets out of hand.
• Is your family life affected by your drinking? Alcohol use can impact relationships, either through missed family events, arguments, or a growing distance with loved ones.
• Do you find yourself seeking extra drinks at social gatherings? Going out of your way to drink more than others or pacing yourself differently from the group can indicate a heavier dependency on alcohol.
• Do you tell yourself you can stop any time, but never actually try? Believing you could stop but not putting it to the test might be a way of avoiding an uncomfortable truth.
• Have you ever missed or been late to work because of drinking or hangovers? When drinking spills over into your professional life, it’s a clear sign that it may be interfering with your responsibilities.
• Do you blackout? Losing chunks of memory after drinking can be dangerous, both for your physical safety and your overall mental health.
• Have you thought life would be better if you didn’t drink? If you’re imagining a happier, healthier life without alcohol, it might be a sign that your drinking is impacting your well-being.

If you answered “yes” to a number of these questions, it may be worth exploring what drinking means in your life and whether you want to make a change. Reaching out for support, setting goals, and talking to people who’ve been in your shoes can make a difference in finding a healthy balance or taking a new path altogether. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it, but taking that first step to reflect can be powerful.

I’ll wrap it up with a question for you: Are you willing to answer the questions above truthfully and act accordingly?