Alcohol Problems: Do You Have an Alcohol Problem?

by catherinetodd2

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism cut across gender, race, and nationality. Nearly 14 million people in the United States–1 in every 13 adults–abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. In general, though, more men than women are alcohol dependent or have alcohol problems.

What follows is a list of questions that each require a Yes or No answer. Please answer all the questions. You can rate yourself at the end.

1) Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2) Has a friend or relative ever asked that you cut down or stop drinking?
3) Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
4) Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
5) Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
6) Have you ever had a DUI?
7) Is there a history of alcoholism in your family of origin?
8) Do you think about drinking often?
9) Do you often drink yourself into intoxication?
10) Have you ever not attended an important social event because you were intoxicated?
11) Have you ever not gone to work because of a hangover?
12) Do you drink more than 1 or 2 drinks each time you drink?
13) Do you drink more often than you used to?
14) Do you mostly choose to be with people who drink?
15) Has anyone told you that you become very different when you drink?
16) Do you have medical problems or take medications where alcohol has been contraindicated but you drink anyway?
17) Do you smoke cigarettes?
18) Have you ever been in treatment for alcohol abuse?
19) Do you think you “need” to drink before or during social occasions because you feel you cannot have a good time unless you do?
20) Do you hide your drinking from a loved one?

If you have answered Yes to 5 or more questions you are likely to be a problem drinker. Consider this an important bit of knowledge as it might help you to get some perspective on a serious issue. If you need help please call me at the number listed on my website.

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