Am I an Alcoholic?
Unfortunately, many people who struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) are unaware of their problematic relationship with alcohol. Often, these people have a skewed view of drinking— thanks, society— that glamorizes their abuse and hinders their ability to recognize the signs of destructive patterns of heavy drinking. Gradually, as their negative behaviors resulting from alcohol use continue to damage their health and happiness, they pause to ask “Am I drinking too much? or “Am I an alcoholic?”
In these moments of introspection, it can be great to seek out a questionnaire to help them review their alcohol use— identifying when they have reached a point of problem drinking, alcohol dependence, or addiction. If you are concerned about your alcohol use, or the alcohol use of a loved one, this “Am I an Alcoholic” questionnaire can help guide you toward the help in treatment needed to recover.
Mental Effects
of Alcohol
Identifying How Alcohol Effects Your Mind
Questions 1-10
Social Effects
of Alcohol
Identifying How Alcohol Effects Your Socialization
Questions 11-21
Physical Effects
of Alcohol
Identifying How Alcohol Effects Your Health
Questions 20-30
Throughout this quick, 30-question quiz, you will answer questions on your personal background. This self-assessment evaluates the mental, social, and health factors involved with alcohol use, and can help you determine whether or not you are an alcoholic, or someone who suffers from an alcohol use disorder. In this way, you can use your answers to determine whether you require a biopsychosocial evaluation from addiction treatment clinicians for a formal diagnosis in addition to receiving medical care in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
Mental Effects of Alcohol
1. Do you drink more than you would like to?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
2. In a typical week, how often do you drink?
- 0 days
- 1-2 days
- 3-4 days
- 5-7 days
3. If I try to drink less than the normal amount I feel sick
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
4. Have you ever considered quitting drinking?
Yes
No
If yes, answer the following:
4 a. Have you ever tried to quit drinking?
Yes
No
4 b. Have you ever tried to quit drinking and were unsuccessful?
Yes
No
5. Does your alcohol consumption depend on your mood?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
6. What mood are you typically in prior to drinking?
- Happy / Manic
- Sad / Depressed
- Irritated /Anxious
- Numb / Indifferent
7. What mood are you typically in while drinking?
- Happy / Manic
- Sad / Depressed
- Irritated /Anxious
- Numb / Indifferent
8. Does drinking affect your mental state?
- No change
- Minimal change
- Moderate change
- Massive change
9. Does drinking affect your mental state depending on the level of consumption?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
10. How does your mental state change more than once during a period of drinking?
- No change
- Positive to negative
- Negative to positive
- Neutral to positive
- Neutral to negative
- Positive to neutral
- Negative to neutral
If you answered “yes” to any of the yes-or-no questions or (4) for three or more of these questions, it is best to talk to your primary care physician or an addiction specialist for more information of substance use disorders and to formulate a plan of recovery.
Social Effects of Alcohol
11. Have you missed prior engagements (work/school/personal) due to drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
12. Have you delayed scheduled obligations (work/school/personal) due to drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
13. Have you lost opportunities (work/school/personal) due to drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
14. Have any of your personal relationships been negatively impacted by your drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
15. Do you ever receive criticism for your alcohol consumption?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
16. Do you ever receive advice to lessen your alcohol consumption?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
17. Have you given up hobbies/activities you used to enjoy?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
18. Do you find yourself in dangerous situations due to drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
19. Have you been harmed physically due to drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
20. Have you been harmed mentally due to drinking?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
If you answered “yes” to any of the yes-or-no questions or (4) for three or more of these questions, it is best to talk to your primary care physician or an addiction specialist for more information of substance use disorders and to formulate a plan of recovery.
Physical Effects of Alcohol
21. Have you received medical advice/instruction to lessen your alcohol consumption?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
22. Do you have any health conditions due to drinking?
Yes
No
23. Do you take prescription or over-the-counter medication due to drinking?
Yes
No
24. Do you experience hangovers?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
25. Have you experienced alcohol poisoning?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
26. Have you been hospitalized for your alcohol consumption?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
27. Have you found that you drink more alcohol to feel intoxicated compared to previous use?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
28. Do you experience mental cravings for alcohol?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
29. Do you experience physical cravings for alcohol?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
30. When you abstain from alcohol, do you experience withdrawal symptoms?
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Frequently
If you answered “yes” to any of the yes-or-no questions or (4) for three or more of these questions, it is best to talk to your primary care physician or an addiction specialist for more information of substance use disorders and to formulate a plan of recovery.
Getting Help For Your Alcohol Use Disorder
If the “Am I an Alcoholic” questionnaire is highlighting mild to severe symptoms of alcohol use disorder in your life, or the life of a loved one, it is vital for you to reach out to your doctor or an addiction treatment professional to review your situation. In doing so, you can receive an expert opinion, formal diagnosis, and medical assistance needed to recover from a substance use disorder. For some, waiting can be the difference between life and death, as alcohol abuse can lead to diseases of the liver, heart, and brain in addition to accidental deaths such as alcohol poisoning fatalities, and overdoses. In fact, treating an AUD early limits the stress and severe consequences that plague those who lost control over their drinking habits.
Disclaimer
Keep in mind, substance use questionnaires should only be used as a guide to enlighten you on your relationship with alcohol and cannot be used as a diagnostic tool. Moreover, family and friends filling out our "Am I an Alcoholic" quiz for a loved one must remember that this is in no way proof, and should never be used to shame a person into treatment or medical care. If you find that your loved one meets many of the characteristics of someone with an alcohol use disorder, speak with them with respect and compassion as you share your findings.
Want to learn more about how you can help your loved one get help? Check out our Family Resources page for more.
