Alcoholism is a disease. It can wreak havoc on you and those around you if not diagnosed and treated properly. Take a moment to answer the following 12 questions — and be honest about your answers.
Remember, there is no disgrace in facing up to the fact that you may have a drinking problem. The only disgrace is in hiding it.
1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Yes No
2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking — stop telling you what to do?
Yes No
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. Have you had to have an “eye-opener” upon awakening during the past year? Do you need a drink to get started, or to stop shaking?
Yes No
5. Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
Yes No
6. Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Yes No
7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Yes No
8. Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Yes No
9. Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
Yes No
10. Have you missed work because of drinking?
Yes No
11. Do you have “blackouts” — drinking hours or days you cannot remember?
Yes No
12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
Yes No
What’s your score?
If you answered YES four or more times, you are probably in trouble with alcohol.
Alcoholics Anonymous may be able to help you. AA does not promise to solve your life’s problems. But it can show you how others are learning to live without drinking “one day at a time.” If there is no first drink, there cannot be a 10th one.
And when you get rid of alcohol, you may find life becomes much more manageable. For more information on A.A., call 253-8501 or visit www.aa.org.
Quiz copyrighted by The A.A. Grapevine Inc. and A.A. World Services Inc. Reprinted with permission.
