Do You Drink Too Much?

Sometimes a habit becomes so familiar we have a hard time detecting signs that the once-comfortable pattern has in fact become a problem. This quick and confidential test can help you determine if your drinking habits put you at risk of alcohol abuse:

Questions:

  1. I drink to relieve feelings of stress when I'm under pressure.
  2. Whenever I have a reason to celebrate—for example, a job promotion, birthday, or anniversary—drinking is one of the first things I make a point of doing.
  3. There are occasions when I feel uneasy if alcohol is unavailable.
  4. I sometimes drink heavily after a disappointment or rough day.
  5. I sometimes feel slightly guilty about my drinking.
  6. When I drink with others, I try to have a few drinks when they won't know it.
  7. I experience memory blackouts during or after drinking.
  8. When sober, I sometimes regret things I've said or done while drinking.
  9. I've often failed to keep promises about controlling my drinking.
  10. In my attempts to control my drinking, I've tried such strategies as changing the brand of alcohol I usually drink, changing my job, or moving.
  11. I usually drink after a confrontation or argument to relieve my uncomfortable feelings.
  12. I eat lightly or very little when drinking.
  13. I sometimes have a drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves or get rid of a hangover.
  14. I designate a set time of the day--for instance, anytime after 4:00 in the afternoon--when it’s okay to begin drinking.
  15. I sometimes stay drunk for more than a few days at a time.
  16. After drinking, I sometimes see or hear things that are not there.
  17. I've gotten extremely frightened after drinking.
  18. When I start drinking, I'm in more of a hurry to get my first drink than I used to be.
  19. I pretty much avoid going to restaurants where alcohol is not served.
  20. Having a drink is usually the first thing I do when I come home at the end of the day.
If you answer yes to three or more questions, then perhaps drinking could be playing a larger role in your life than you might like, and that your usual drinking pattern could be getting in the way of your ability to function at your very best. Certainly, no standardized test can determine better than you can if your usual drinking habits have become something that you rely on too frequently to help you cope, or if you are feeling your drinking is out of your control. Often the fear of the label "alcoholism" and uncertainty about its definition give many an excuse to avoid confronting the issue altogether. Greater awareness is vital. One way you can learn more about the signs of alcoholism is to read information made available by Alcoholics Anonymous. You might also consider addressing some of your concerns in therapy. There are therapists who are especially skilled at helping people who need help with their drinking and the impact it has on many aspects of their daily lives.

 

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