Alcoholic shares three signs you might have alcohol problem even if you don't drink large amount

Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing.

A bloke who managed to overcome his dependence on booze has revealed the three signs that suggest you might have a drinking problem.

Corey Warren, who has been sober since 2011, explained that a lot of people have the wrong idea about what an alcoholic looks like due to certain stereotypes.

So, he's keen to remind people that addiction doesn't discriminate - as even though someone might look like they're doing okay, they could be facing a private battle with booze.

Corey previously admitted that in the height of his addiction, he was 'drunk by 10 o’clock in the morning' and as a result, his life soon started 'tanking in all areas'.

The Michigan-born dad explained that he started 'putting distance between [him and] the people that really cared' during an appearance on Recovery.com's podcast earlier this year.

Speaking of how he became withdrawn from his support system while addicted to alcohol, he explained: "You're getting into really sticky situations, drinking and driving, being places you shouldn't be, doing things that are against your character...and justifying that it's okay."

Given that he's danced with the devil that is drink and managed to kick his dependency on it, Corey knows a thing or two about the behaviour of an alcoholic.

And in a TikTok, he explained how he has come up with 'three tips to help you know if you maybe have a problem'.

"A lot of people think that in order to have a drinking problem, you have got to drink a certain amount or you have got to drink every day of the week," he said. "Neither one of those are true."

For starters, Corey said that if you 'drink to relax', you might be in dangerous territory, as he told his 245,000 followers: "It's not relaxing - that's dependence and that's a problem."

Experts at Drinkaware appear to agree, as they warn that you might be 'dependent on alcohol if you find it difficult to enjoy yourself or relax without having a drink'.

Secondly, Corey suggested that if you wake up the day after a heavy drinking session full of anxiety, 'it's not a hangover, that's withdrawal'.

Although anxiety is a common side effect experienced by people going through alcohol withdrawal, beer fear doesn't automatically equate to addiction in the eyes of most health experts.

Still, Drinkaware explains that booze makes you feel less inhibited and more relaxed in the short term - however, these effects 'wear off quickly' and can lead to even bigger problems.

It states: "Over time, if you regularly drink heavily, the central nervous system gets used to the suppressing effect of the alcohol, which means your brain is affected if the alcohol level suddenly drops.

"You can go straight into ‘fight or flight’ mode as the alcohol leaves your system - the same reaction as an anxiety disorder."

And finally, Corey warned that if you're concealing the amount of drink you're consuming from those closest to you, you might have a problem.

"If you lie to your friends and family about how much you drink, that's not control that's denial," he continued, before adding: "You don't have to destroy your whole life to want to get better.

"If you want to better your life, start by putting the alcohol down."

According to Drinkaware, people who may be struggling with their addiction to alcohol often 'feel ashamed about their drinking and may get upset if confronted'.

But if a person has 'impaired control' over how much they're putting away, it suggests that they 'can't regulate their drinking' - and they might need some help.

Corey has also previously revealed how you can tell that your so-called 'casual' boozing has gotten out of control, as well as what the 'three different types' of drinkers are - and how to work out which one you might be.

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.