Hello Cadence,
I am also 23 and was in the same boat as you. The first time I thought I might have a problem is ultimately when I KNEW I had a problem. I tried moderate drinking and like Angelina it would work occasionally but usually I ended up hammered and then on a drinking binge which ultimately started destroying me. I would drink because of boredom, to mask problems, etc... My anxiety was always high. I noticed after a few times being sober that over time without alcohol that my anxiety was so much lower and my problems so much smaller. I am dependent on alcohol for boredom, stress, etc...I am fairly new at the sobriety thing, have tried once before, but I realize that I must overcome my underlying issues causing me to drink.