do you have an alcohol problem?

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 felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

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.