1. Freedom from Substance Abuse

203. Face Up to Your Drinking Habits

Are you a social drinker or a problem drinker? If you have any doubts, you probably have a problem or are developing one. Alcoholics Anonymous has developed the following quiz to help you determine if you have a drinking problem.

1. 1.Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but lasted only a few days? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

2. 2.Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

3. 3.Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

4. 4.Have you had a drink in the morning during the past year? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

5. 5.Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

6. 6.Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?   
   

      Yes ____ No ____

7. 7.Has your drinking caused trouble at home? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

8. 8.Do you ever try to get extra drinks at a party because you’re not served enough? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

9. 9.Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to? 
   

      Yes ____ No ____

10. 10.Have you missed days of work because of drinking? 
    

      Yes ____ No ____

11. 11.Do you have blackouts? 
    

      Yes ____ No ____

12. 12.Have you ever felt your life would be better if you did not drink? 
    

      Yes ____ No ____

How to score:

If you answer yes to four questions or more, chances are you have a problem and should seek professional help.

SOURCE: Is AA for You? reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York.