How much alcohol is too much? A GP defines alcohol dependence with advice on how to stick to drinking goals this year

While alcohol dependence or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has seen a positive shift in terminology, shame and stigma still exist. As a nation that largely celebrates alcohol consumption, moving away from harmful words like ‘alcoholic’ is an important step towards supporting those experiencing a dangerous cycle with alcohol.

The new year offers a time of reflection and goal setting for many - and for some, the festive period may have uncovered concerns about their relationship with alcohol. We thought there was no better time to share some compassionate and educational support from Clean Slate Clinic’s co-founder and resident GP, Dr Chris Davis.

Dr Chris Davis is a GP, Addiction Medicine Specialist, and the co-founder & Medical Director of Clean Slate Clinic. With over 10 years of experience, he’s passionate about breaking down stigma, speaking openly about the things people often hide, and making support feel human - not clinical. The Clean Slate Program is available to eligible HBF members at no cost if eligibility is met.

New year, same stigma. Why language is important

The way we talk about alcohol dependence directly shapes how people experience stigma, access the right support, and understand the realities of addiction. In Australia, health authorities have been firm on the harm of emotionally loaded terminology and its ability to reinforce shame and misinformation, ultimately discouraging people from seeking the help that’s available. The Western Australian Mental Health Commission notes that language about alcohol and other drug use is often misunderstood, emotive, and sometimes sensationalised, which contributes to stigma and discrimination and hinders open, constructive discussion.

Put simply, stigmatising terms such as ‘alcoholic’ or ‘addict’ narrow a person’s identity to their condition, implying moral weakness rather than a legitimate health issue. In contrast, framing alcohol dependence as a medical condition (rather than a personal failing) helps align public perception with medical evidence and research.

In my practice, I've sat with countless people who delayed seeking support because identifying as an 'alcoholic' felt like accepting a permanent, shameful identity. But when we use person-centered language that acknowledges their struggle without reducing them to it, the conversation transforms. They can finally see themselves as someone managing a health condition, deserving of care and capable of change. That linguistic shift doesn't just reduce stigma - it actively enables recovery.” Dr Chris

By working together on language shifts that reduce shame and focus on health, people are more likely to recognise warning signs in their own behaviours and feel safe asking for support.

Drinking guidelines – how much is too much?

Let’s discuss guidelines but also remember that you know yourself better than anyone else, it’s not just about these guidelines but also your relationship with alcohol. 

Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) provides the most authoritative guidance on low-risk drinking. According to the 2020 Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol:

Healthy adults should drink no more than:

• 10 standard drinks per week, and
• No more than 4 standard drinks on any one day

While these guidelines are in place and published to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, it's also important to acknowledge no amount of alcohol is healthy and the less you choose to drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol. If you consistently drink above these limits (even slightly) you are at increased risk of developing physical, mental, and behavioural consequences linked to alcohol.

Knowing some common patterns aligned with alcohol dependence can also help in taking steps toward a better relationship with alcohol, and ultimately better health.

These include:

• Drinking alone
• Hiding alcohol
• Drinking early in the day
• Lying about how much you drink
• Relationship or work problems caused by drinking

These are important early warning signs that your relationship with alcohol may be shifting from risky to harmful or dependent use.

In Australia, alcohol dependence (often used interchangeably with ‘alcohol use disorder’) is described as a condition in which a person:¹

• Craves alcohol,
• Struggles to stop or control drinking,
• Drinks increasing amounts to feel the same effect, and
• Experiences withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, anxiety, nausea, sweating) if they reduce or stop drinking.

Even small reductions in drinking can lead to meaningful improvements in sleep, mood, energy levels, and overall health.

Everyone’s relationship with alcohol is different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of ‘too much’. Drinking guidelines are evidence-based and important to know, but even if your alcohol use falls within the recommended guidelines on paper, it doesn’t always tell the full story. Pay attention to how alcohol makes you feel and how it's showing up in your life. If it's affecting your health, your happiness, or your relationships, that's usually the best sign that something needs to shift." Dr Chris

When drinking becomes a health condition

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a recognised mental health condition in Australia. It involves a pattern of drinking that leads to significant distress or impairment. A diagnosis requires meeting at least two clinical criteria within 12 months, assessed by a healthcare professional such as a GP, Addiction Specialist or psychiatrist.

This medical framing is so important: it means alcohol dependence is treatable, and seeking help is an appropriate and proactive health decision, not a personal failure.

What’s happening to your body when you’re dependent on alcohol

The good news: with the right medical support, the body can stabilise and recover.

The importance of a first step

Recovery from addiction is a process.

A (possibly) familiar scenario: It’s been a big week. Life has become busy, already, and its only February! The sound of Friday’s beer can fizzing open is familiar and comforting, but it’s not just one, and soon it’s Monday and the weekend is a blur. 

There is a cycle to alcohol dependence, and it’s one that Dr Chris is familiar with helping his patients break. You’re not alone if you’re stuck in a cycle, support is available. The first step is all yours though and as cliché as it sounds, it’s a baby step. What this means is, there will be stumbling - and that’s ok.

The hardest part of recovery often isn't the detox - it's making that initial decision to reach out. I've worked with so many people who've thought about getting help for many years, before they finally made contact. And here's what I want everyone to know: there's no perfect time, no ideal set of circumstances. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to take one small step - make a phone call, send an email, talk to someone you trust. Recovery doesn't start with having all the answers; it starts with admitting you'd like things to be different. And once you take that first step, you'll find there are people ready to support you through the rest.” Dr Chris

How Clean Slate can help with goal setting (and goal sticking)

• Start with goals that fit you: Goals are shaped around your health, drinking patterns, lifestyle, and readiness for change - not rigid rules or one-size-fits-all expectations.
• Turn intention into a clear plan: Instead of vague promises like ‘drink less’ goals are broken down into practical, achievable steps that feel realistic in everyday life.
• Medical support removes guesswork: Understanding withdrawal risk, cravings, and physical dependence helps set goals that are safe - and reduces the chance of setbacks caused by unmanaged symptoms.
• Build skills, not just willpower: Long-term change focuses on learning new coping strategies, routines, and supports, rather than relying on motivation alone.