Sober Curious: How to Know If You Have a Drinking Problem & What to Do About It

Have you ever wondered if your relationship with alcohol or another substance is getting a little too close for comfort?
If so, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to be in crisis to ask that question. Over the last few years, the idea of being “sober curious” has become popular — not just as a trend, but as a lifestyle shift. It’s about taking an honest look at your habits, making small changes, and learning how to live more mindfully without automatically reaching for a drink to relax, celebrate, or cope.

At Cedar Grove Counseling, we often meet people who are in this exact place — not sure if they have a “problem,” but wanting to feel more in control, healthier, and more present.

Let’s unpack what it means to be sober curious and how to spot the early signs of a drinking or addiction issue — before it takes over.

Am I Developing a Drinking or Addiction Problem?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer isn’t always clear-cut. You don’t have to drink every day to have a problem — and you don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to start making changes.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do I use alcohol (or another substance) to manage stress, sadness, or boredom?

• Have I noticed I’m drinking more often than I used to — or finishing that bottle faster than expected?

• Do I ever hide how much I drink or feel anxious about it afterward?

• Have family or friends expressed concern about my use?

• Do I feel like I need a drink to relax, socialize, or sleep?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re addicted — but it does mean your relationship with alcohol might deserve some attention.
This is where being sober curious really shines: it’s about awareness, not judgment.

What Steps Can I Take to Prevent a Drinking or Addiction Issue?

The good news? You don’t have to wait until things feel out of control to take action.
There are simple, practical ways to protect your well-being and build a healthy relationship with yourself and your habits.

1. Take a Break — and Notice What Happens

Try a weekend, a week, or even a month without drinking. Notice how your body feels, how you sleep, and how you handle stress.
If you find yourself feeling anxious, irritable, or craving that drink, that’s useful information — not a failure. It’s a signal your body and mind might be more dependent than you realized.

2. Find Healthy Substitutes

Swap your usual drink for a mocktail, sparkling water, or herbal tea. (Pro tip: try mixing fresh fruit and mint into seltzer — you’ll be surprised how satisfying it can be.)

3. Reflect on Your “Why”

Ask yourself: What am I hoping this drink will do for me right now?
Am I trying to relax, connect, escape, or celebrate?
Sometimes, identifying what we need emotionally can help us meet that need in a healthier way — like taking a walk, calling a friend, or journaling.

4. Talk to Someone

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s a trusted friend, counselor, or support group, opening up can provide perspective and accountability.
If you’re in the Port Angeles area, our team at Cedar Grove Counseling offers outpatient recovery programs and individual counseling for people who are exploring sobriety or early recovery.

5. Learn About Addiction — Without the Stigma

Understanding how alcohol affects the brain and body can help you make informed choices. Addiction isn’t about weakness; it’s about how substances interact with our biology, emotions, and environment.
The more you know, the easier it is to make intentional changes before patterns become harmful.

A Compassionate Reality Check

Being sober curious doesn’t mean you have to quit drinking forever. It means you’re brave enough to pause and ask questions about your relationship with alcohol — and to make changes that feel right for you.

If you ever find that your habits are starting to feel unmanageable, or you’re worried about crossing that line from social drinking into dependency, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

At Cedar Grove Counseling, we meet you where you are — whether that’s curiosity, concern, or the first steps of recovery. Our addiction counseling and outpatient programs are designed to help you explore these questions in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment.

Final Thought

Recovery — or even curiosity about recovery — begins with awareness. By paying attention, asking the hard questions, and taking small steps, you can change your relationship with alcohol and build a life that feels clear, connected, and authentic.