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Determining Risk for Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
North Dakota Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
Edited & modified by: Charles N. Roper, PhD, LCDC

The questions in this simple self-test refer to some of the common symptoms of alcoholism. This test is intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs to find out more about alcoholism. It is not intended to be used to establish an alcoholism diagnosis.

1.  Yes  No  Do you ever drink heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure or have had a quarrel with someone?
2.  Yes  No Can you handle more alcohol now than when you first started to drink?
3.  Yes  No

Have you ever been unable to remember part of the previous evening, even though your friends say you didn't pass out?
4.  Yes  No When drinking with other people, do you try to have a few extra drinks when others won't know about it?
5.  Yes  No Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable if alcohol is not available?
6.  Yes  No Are you in more of a hurry to get your first drink of the day than you used to be?
7.  Yes  No Do you sometimes feel a little guilty about your drinking?
8.  Yes  No

Has a family member or close friend ever expressed concern or complained about your drinking?
9.  Yes  No Have you been having more memory "blackouts" recently?
10. Yes  No

Do you often want to continue drinking after your friends say they've had enough?
11. Yes  No Do you usually have a reason for the occasions when you drink heavily?
12. Yes  No

When you're sober, do you sometimes regret things you did or said while drinking?
13. Yes  No

Have you tried switching brands or drinks, or following different plans to control your drinking?
14. Yes  No

Have you sometimes failed to keep promises you made to yourself about controlling or cutting down on your drinking?
15. Yes  No

Have you ever had a DWI, DUI, MIP, PI, or any other legal problem related to your drinking?
16. Yes  No Do you try to avoid family or close friends while you are drinking?
17. Yes  No

Are you having more financial, work, school and/or family problems as a result of your drinking?
18. Yes  No Has your physician ever advised you to cut down on your drinking?
19. Yes  No

Do you eat very little or irregularly during the periods when you are drinking?
20. Yes  No

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?
21. Yes  No

Have you recently noticed that you can't drink as much as you used to?
22. Yes  No Do you sometimes stay drunk for several days at a time?
23. Yes  No

After periods of drinking do you sometimes see or hear things that aren't there?
24. Yes  No Have you ever gone to anyone for help about your drinking?
25. Yes  No

Do you ever feel depressed or anxious before, during or after periods of heavy drinking?
26. Yes  No Have any of your blood relatives ever had a problem with alcohol?

Any "yes" answer indicates you may be at greater risk than normal for alcohol abuse and/or alcoholism.

More than one "yes" answer may indicate a strong potential for or actual presence of an alcohol-related problem. At the very least, it suggests the need for consultation with an addictions professional.

Many people with higher potential for alcohol addiction and/or abuse can avoid stepping over the line into that state, but once that line has been crossed, there is no going back. The relevant idea is this: “You can turn a cucumber into a pickle, but you can’t turn a pickle back into a cucumber.”

Please email your comments or questions regarding this article to: croper1(at)austin.rr.com (not a direct link in order to avoid address being picked up robotically for spam).

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