You forget what happened the night before, you break promises, a stressful day at work makes you think of alcohol, you feel the need to reward yourself with a drink or two and the people who care about you have raised concerns. Avoidance, memory loss, regret and guilt are some of the experiences which point to a drinking related problem. The rest of these questions will help you to confirm whether your drinking behaviour has gotten out of hand and indicate that you need to seek help. This is a standard test for individuals who think they may have an alcohol problem. Individuals taking this test do so with the knowledge that this does not substitute an active consultation with a counsellor or addiction specialist.
- Do you try to avoid family or close friends while you are drinking?
- Do you drink heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure or have had a quarrel with someone?
- Can you handle more alcohol now than when you first started to drink?
- Have you ever been unable to remember part of the previous evening, even though your friends say you didn’t pass out?
- When drinking with other people, do you try to have a few extra drinks when others won’t know about it?
- Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable if alcohol is not available?
- Are you more in a hurry to get your first drink of the day than you used to be?
- Do you sometimes feel a little guilty about your drinking?
- Has a family member or close friend expressed concern or complained about your drinking?
- Have you been having more memory blackouts recently?
- Do you often want to continue drinking after your friends say they’ve had enough?
- Do you usually have a reason for the occasions when you drink heavily?
- When you’re sober, do you sometimes regret things you did or said while drinking?
- Have you tried switching brands or drinks, or following different plans to control your drinking?
- Have you sometimes failed to keep promises you made to yourself about controlling or cutting down on your drinking?
- Have you ever had a DWI driving while intoxicated or DUI driving under the influence of alcohol violation, or any other legal problem related to your drinking?
- Are you having more financial, work, school, and/or family problems as a result of your drinking?
- Has your physician ever advised you to cut down on your drinking?
- Do you eat very little or irregularly during the periods when you are drinking?
- Do you sometimes have the shakes in the morning and find that it helps to have a little drink, tranquilizer or medication of some kind?
- Have you recently noticed that you can’t drink as much as you used to?
- Do you sometimes stay drunk for several days at a time?
- After periods of drinking do you sometimes see or hear things that aren’t there?
- Have you ever gone to anyone for help about your drinking?
- Do you ever feel depressed or anxious before, during or after periods of heavy drinking?
- Have any of your blood relatives ever had a problem with alcohol?
If you answered yes to two or more of the above questions in this test it would be advisable to speak to an alcohol support counsellor about how alcohol could be negatively influencing your life and come up with a strategy to prevent it from perpetuating.
Find out what it means to be an Adult Child of an Alcoholic and read the complete guide to Alcohol Use and Abuse. Learn whether or not Alcoholic Neuropathy, can be cured or find out which the most Commonly abused Substances in South Africa are. If you suspect that someone you care for is struggling with an alcohol problem, contact Recovery Direct.
If you are suffering from an alcohol addiction, seeking professional help can help you regain control of your life and achieve long-term recovery. It is critical to find a qualified and experienced professional who understands the complexities of alcoholism and can assist you in navigating the challenges that come with it.
Alcohol use disorder is very often a complex issue that can have serious consequences for your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as your relationships and overall quality of life. Seeking assistance from a professional who has worked with people who have alcohol use disorders can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome addiction.
Therapy, medication, support groups and other forms of care can all be used to treat alcohol related issues. Working with a professional who understands the unique challenges of alcohol and can tailor treatment to your specific needs can improve your chances of success significantly.
Remember that seeking help is a brave step towards a healthier and happier version of yourself. Anyone can overcome alcohol addiction and achieve long-term recovery it all has to do with making the descision to start recovery with the right support and care.
