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Do you have an alcohol problem?

How can someone tell if they have an alcohol problem?

If you are a teenager who drinks alcohol, you do have an alcohol problem. Every damaging effect of alcohol is worse in teenagers than it is in adults. Alcohol is not good for anyone, but it’s terrible for teens.

If that’s not specific enough for you, here are two statistically validated questionnaires that professionals use to assess alcohol problems.

The CAGE Questionnaire

  • Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
  • Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
  • Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
  • Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning or to get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?
  • Two or more "Yes" answers indicate a likely alcohol problem. the morning or to get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?

Two or more "Yes" answers indicate a likely alcohol problem.

The T-ACE Questionnaire for Problem Drinking in Women

  • Tolerance: How many drinks does it take to make you feel the effect of alcohol? (2 points if you need more than two drinks to feel drunk.)
  • Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? (1 point for "Yes")
  • Have you ever felt you ought to Cut Down on your drinking? (1 point for "Yes")
  • Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)? (1 point for "Yes")

Do you have an alcohol problem?

An Interactive Self-Assessment of Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Young People

The following assessment was adapted from a test offered by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. You might find it useful because it mentions a lot of common problem areas or alcohol abuse "triggers" for young people.

This assessment is not meant to diagnose a problem with alcohol or other drugs, but only to identify a possible problem. Only a physician or professional clinician should diagnose.

Answer these short "Yes or No" questions to see if you might need help.

Yes No
1. Do you use alcohol or other drugs to build self-confidence?
Yes No
2. Do you ever drink or get high immediately after you have a problem at home, school, or work?
Yes No
3. Have you ever missed work or school due to alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
4. Does it bother you if someone says that you use too much alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
5. Have you started hanging out with a heavy drinking or drug using crowd?
Yes No
6. Are alcohol and other drugs affecting your reputation?
Yes No
7. Do you feel guilty or bummed out after using alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
8. Do you feel more at ease on a date or social event when drinking or using other drugs?
Yes No
9. Have you gotten into trouble at home, work, or school for using alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
10. Do you borrow money or "do without" other things to buy alcohol and other drugs?
Yes No
11. Do you feel a sense of power when you use alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
12. Have you lost friends since you started using alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
13. Do your friends use less alcohol or other drugs than you do?
Yes No
14. Do you drink or use other drugs until your supply is all gone?
Yes No
15. Do you ever wake up and wonder what happened the night before?
Yes No
16. Have you ever been arrested or hospitalized due to alcohol or use of illicit drugs?
Yes No
17. Do you "turn off" or avoid studies or lectures about alcohol or illicit drug use?
Yes No
18. Have you ever tried to quit or to cut back using alcohol or other drugs?
Yes No
19. Has there ever been someone in your family with a drinking or other drug problem?
Yes No
20. Could you have a problem with alcohol or other drugs?

 



 

 

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