"Do I Drink Too Much?" — Why the Label Doesn't Matter

# "Do I Drink Too Much?" — Why the Label Doesn't Matter **July 1, 2025** **By Lauri McGivern, MPH, ALPC – Alcohol Freedom Coach** When people begin to question their drinking, one of the first things they often ask is: "Am I an alcoholic?" It's a question loaded with fear, shame, and confusion. We've been taught that the answer to whether or not we have a "real" problem lies in a label. That unless you hit some rock bottom or meet a certain number of criteria, your drinking isn't "that bad." But here's the truth: You don't need a diagnosis to change your relationship with alcohol. You don't need to take a quiz, attend a meeting, or accept a lifelong label to decide something isn't working for you. ## There Is No Accurate Test — Only Your Truth The more important question isn't how much you drink—it's how you feel about your drinking. If you're asking yourself, "Do I drink too much?" That question alone says something important. Maybe you're tired of the anxiety. Maybe you feel out of alignment with your values. Maybe alcohol has become a crutch you never meant to lean on. That inner nudge is worth listening to—whether you drink every day or just once a week. ## You Are Not a Label The word "alcoholic" is not a diagnosis. It's a social and cultural label—and for many, a deeply stigmatizing one. There's no "alcoholic gene." Yes, some of us may have inherited personality traits that make us more prone to seek escape or ease emotional discomfort through substances. But that doesn't mean we're broken or defective. It means we're human. And for many people, the idea of standing up in a public room and declaring "I'm an alcoholic" feels terrifying. It's not that those programs don't work—they do for some—but for many, the fear and shame of labeling themselves keeps them stuck and silent. You don't have to wait for a label to start healing. You don't have to hit bottom to rise. ## There Is Another Way At Free Spirits AF, we take a different approach. We focus on compassion, curiosity, and science—not shame, judgment, or labels. You are not a problem to be fixed. You are a person ready to reclaim your freedom. Whether you're just starting to question your drinking or you've been trying to change for a while—know that your experience is valid. You deserve support that meets you where you are. Let's shift the question from "Am I an alcoholic?" to "Is alcohol adding value to my life—or taking it away?" You already have your answer. Now you get to choose your next step. Ready to explore life without the label? Visit **FreeSpiritsAF.com** to learn more about alcohol freedom coaching, group support, and resources to help you move forward—on your own terms. #ThisNakedMind #AlcoholFreeLiving #NoShameNoLabels #FreeSpiritsAF