The Science-Based Quiz to Answer: ‘Am I an Alcoholic?’
There are different kinds of problem drinking. Heavy drinking involves consuming at least one or two servings of alcohol every day of the week while binge drinking is consuming more than four servings of alcohol in one “event,” which may be within two or three hours. While neither of these forms of problem drinking are alcoholism, they can indicate potential alcohol use disorder (AUD), the current medical term for alcohol addiction.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists 11 symptoms that clinicians can use to diagnose a potential AUD. If a person struggles with at least two of these 11 symptoms over the course of one year, then this may indicate an AUD.
The DSM-5 also defines distinct levels of AUD, including:
- Mild AUD: two or three symptoms persisting for a year
- Moderate AUD: four or five symptoms for a year
- Severe AUD: six or more symptoms over one year
Even if one does not have an AUD, drinking heavily or binge drinking can cause serious health consequences. Alcohol poisoning from binge drinking can cause brain and internal organ damage or lead to death; heavy drinking increases the risk of heart disease, liver damage, and some cancers. AUD, however, is a serious problem in the United States, with 15.1 million adults, ages 18 and older, struggling with their alcohol consumption as of 2015. Trying alcohol before the legal drinking age, during adolescence, increases the risk of substance abuse later in life, and about 623,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 suffer from alcohol use disorder.
20 Questions to Help Diagnose Alcoholism
People who experience problem drinking in any form may experience health consequences, but those who struggle with alcohol use disorder are at the greatest risk. For those who are concerned about how much they drink because of its health, financial, emotional, or social impact, this 20-question quiz may highlight whether or not alcohol has become a problem.
These questions are based on the definition of AUD from the DSM-5. If the answer is “yes” to more than two, it may be time to seek help for problem drinking, heavy drinking, binge drinking, or AUD. You can also do this via our substance abuse assessment that will add up your score automatically.
- Do you drink at least one alcoholic beverage every day?
- Do you drink seven or more alcoholic beverages per week?
- Do you often drink too much at parties, dinner outings, or other social gatherings?
- Have you found yourself spending more money than expected on alcohol?
- Do you stay out late to continue drinking even if you do not get enough rest?
- Do you find yourself thinking about when you will get your next drink?
- Do you make sure to keep a constant supply of alcohol in your home?
- Do you find that you often drink more than you intend to when you are alone?
- Do you drink in the mornings, with most meals, or keep supplies of alcohol handy so you can drink consistently?
- Do you go to social gatherings based on whether or not you will be able to drink there?
- Do you often wake up hungover or sick at least once a week after a night of drinking too much?
- Do your friends or family comment on how much you drink?
- Have you lost friends, or hurt relationships with loved ones, because you drank too much?
- Does your mood change quickly when you drink?
- Do you experience shaking, nervousness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, or stomach upset when you are not able to drink?
- Has a doctor or nurse expressed concern about how much you drink?
- Do you think about drinking to the exclusion of other events?
- Do you have to drink more to experience your original levels of intoxication?
- Have you ever blacked out during drinking, forgotten what happened during a drinking event, or experienced memory problems related to alcohol consumption?
- Have you been injured, suffered job loss, or lost relationships specifically because of drinking?
Treatment to Overcome Alcohol Abuse
Anyone concerned about a friend or a loved one should talk to that person about their alcohol use patterns. At the same time, anyone who has concerns about how much they drink, and how this could impact their physical and mental health, should talk to a physician or therapist, particularly one who works with those struggling with AUD. A professional assessment can determine if rehabilitation, such as that offered at our alcohol rehab, is needed.
It’s never too late to reach out for help. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating side effects of addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . Oxford Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ alcoholism rehab in Mississippi, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.