Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

Lots of people like to kick back every once in awhile with a few drinks, but are they closer to having a drinking problem than they might realize?

The difference between the "almost alcoholic" and the true alcoholic is a matter of degree, according to Dr. Robert L. Doyle, professor of behavioral health at Harvard University and psychologist Dr. Joseph Nowinski. Their new book "Almost Alcoholic" looks at the fine line where a person can be well on their way to full-fledged alcoholism.

The true alcoholic is physically dependent on alcohol, and will experience symptoms of withdrawal if he or she stops. The true alcoholic will answer "yes" and "always" or "almost always" to most or all of the following statements.

Men and women who are somewhere in the almost alcoholic zone, however, will be able to identify with some of these statements as describing their drinking behavior. Are you an almost alcoholic? Keep clicking to see how many of the following statements describe your drinking...

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You drink to relieve stress

You have come to rely on a drink or two to "unwind" or "de-stress."

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You drink alone

Though there was a time when you almost always drank only in the company of others, these days you are just as likely to have one or more drinks when you are alone.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You look forward to drinking

You find yourself looking forward to that cocktail, glass of wine, or beer while you are on the way home after work. Or you find yourself glancing at your watch to see how close it is to Happy Hour.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

Your drinking may be related to one or more health problems

You have hypertension, diabetes, or are a cancer survivor, but you don't realize that even a couple of drinks can worsen those conditions and increase your risk for cancer recurring.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You drink to relieve boredom or loneliness

You are retired, widowed, a single parent, or unemployed. You feel lonely or bored at times, and you find that a drink or two is comforting.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You drive after drinking

You may never have been pulled over for driving while intoxicated, but you definitely have driven when your blood alcohol level was over the legal limit.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You drink to maintain a "buzz"

You're a "sipper." You do not down your drinks quickly, nor do you drink to the point where you pass out. Rather, you like to keep drinking slowly so as to maintain a "buzz."

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

Your performance at work is not what it used to be

If you look at it objectively you are not as sharp at work these days as you were a couple of years ago. This may be reflected in mistakes, a poorer annual performance evaluation, or less of a merit raise.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You aren't comfortable in social situations where there is no drinking

You are likely to turn down invitations to social events where you know that no one will be drinking, or where alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

You find that drinking helps you overcome your shyness

You've discovered that a drink or two - either before a social engagement or shortly after it starts - helps you "come out of your shell" and enables you to have a better time.

Are you an "almost-alcoholic"? 10 signs you might have a problem

Think you might be an almost alcoholic?  Here's Dr. Doyle with more: