Who Is an Alcoholic?
Only you can decide. AA offers no medical diagnosis — just shared experience.
Most members of AA agree that they were not able to control their drinking once they started. Many tried to stop on their own, or to drink only in moderation, and found they could not do so reliably or for long.
An alcoholic is often described as someone whose drinking causes a continuing and growing problem in their life — and who cannot consistently stop, even when they sincerely want to. It is not about how much, how often, or what a person drinks. It is about what drinking does to them and whether they can control it.
AA does not decide whether you are an alcoholic. No one in AA will diagnose you. That is something only you can determine for yourself.
Some signs people recognise
- Drinking more, or for longer, than intended.
- Wanting to cut down or stop, and not being able to.
- Drinking causing problems at home, at work, or with health — and continuing anyway.
- Needing a drink to feel normal, to start the day, or to steady the nerves.
- Feeling guilt or regret about drinking.
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and help is available. The 12 Questions may help you reflect. There is no pressure and no judgement — only people who understand.