Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

Symptoms of early stages of alcohol dependency

It is well-advised to determine the early symptoms of alcohol dependency in order to break the consumption pattern. Answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions.

1. I often use alcohol to calm my nerves (to help me relax or sleep better)
2. I often drink more than I want to
3. Presently I drink more than I have been drinking in the past
4. Drink does not have the same effect on me as in the past
5. I spend more time and money on alcohol than I should
6. My marriage partner and/or friends have recently become more worried about my drinking
7. I am inclined to play my drinking habits down. In other words, I pretend that I drink less than I actually do or that the problems associated with my drinking are not so bad
8. Since I have started to drink more people have problems communicating with me
9. Sometimes I force myself to stop drinking in order to prove to myself that I am still in control of alcohol
10. During a drinking session my memory becomes impaired - to the extend that I cannot remember everything clearly the following morning.

If you have answered "yes" to more than three of the questions, you may have an alcohol problem. To determine the seriousness thereof, please answer the following

Signs of progressive alcohol dependency

It is well known that alcohol dependency follows a progressive pattern, and that a person with a problem will, in time,develop all the symptoms of the dependency. Answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions to determine the seriousness of your condition.

1. I have lost time at work because of my drinking habits
2. My drinking causes health problems
3. I have had a craving for a drink the following morning
4. After a binge I feel ill and shaky the next morning
5. I have or can uninterruptedly drink for a number of days.
6. I have resigned from my work or have been asked to resign or have been threatened with discharge because of my drinking.
7. My marriage partner has threatened with a divorce if I do not stop drinking

What is you alcohol IQ score?

If you have answered "yes" to more than two of the questions you may have a serious alcohol problem

Experience has proven that 85% to 90% of people who find themselves in this situation need help.

Contact Alcoholics Anonymous or see a specialist alcohol and drug therapist.