Do I have a drinking problem?
In the final stages of Alcoholism, even a ten year old child can recognize alcoholism. In earlier stages it is more difficult. We recognize the disease by its effects on a drinkers life, and the way we find out about its? negative impact is to ask questions. The National Institute of Health through studies, show that paper and pencil test are much more consistent and accurate than even the most sophisticated lab test available. A lab test can only determine alcoholism in about fifty percent of the cases whereas a simple questionnaire is accurate 80 to 90 percent of the time and can determine the early stages of the disease. In the American Journal of Psychiatry 131 (1974) a little questionnaire was published by D. Mayfield MD which pretty much changed the way we identify alcoholism and it is correct in more than 85 percent of people who take this simple test. This was called the CAGE test and it stood for;
Have you ever tried to Cut down on your drinking?
Do you get Angry when people discuss your drinking?
Do you feel Guilty about things you have done while drinking?
Do you ever have an Eye-opener (take a drink to get rid of a hangover or to start the day)?
Four simple questions, but answer yes to any one of them and you need to seek help. The biggest part of the problem is going to be denial. The addiction of the brain, unlike a heart attack or stomach pains or even infected lungs, will not tell you that it is hurting. The denial is created by the brain to protect its access to alcohol which it perceives as being the solution to the problem, not the problem. So the brain in essence is doing what its suppose to do by thinking it is on the pathway of smart health avoiding the pain not knowing the cure is causing the problem.
Still not convinced? Let's take one more test and see.
Can you handle more alcohol now than you first started to drink?
Do you sometimes feel a little guilty about your drinking?
Has a family member or close friend ever expressed concern or complained about your drinking?
Have you tried switching brands or drinks, or following different plans to control your drinking?
Have you ever had a Driving while under the Influence traffic ticket or any legal problem related to your drinking?
Are you having more financial, work, school, and/or family problems as a result of your drinking?
Have you recently noticed that you can't drink as much as you used to?
Do you ever feel depressed or anxious before, during, or after periods of heavy drinking?
Have any of your blood relatives had a problem with alcohol?
(According to the National Council on Alcohol, if you answer yes to any one question you are at great risk for alcoholism and answer more than one and you need to seek treatment).
Still not convinced you have a drinking problem? The final test is brought to us by John Hopkins University and their Medical School. If you don't believe the results of this one, then we need to send people for you wearing little white jackets. This one is so accurate it goes off the charts. If you fail to recognize this one you are in total denial and you need to seek help immediately.
| 1. |
Do you lose time from work due to drinking? |
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| 2. |
Is drinking making your home life unhappy? |
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| 3. |
Do you drink because you are shy with other people? |
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| 4. |
Is drinking effecting your reputation? |
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| 5. |
Have you ever felt remorse after drinking? |
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| 6. |
Have you ever gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your drinking? |
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| 7. |
Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking? |
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| 8. |
Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare? |
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| 9. |
Has your ambition decreased since drinking? |
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| 10. |
Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily? |
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| 11. |
Do you want a drink the next morning? |
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| 12. |
Does your drinking cause you to have difficulties in sleeping? |
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| 13. |
Has your efficiency decreased since drinking? |
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| 14. |
Is your drinking jeopardizing your job or business? |
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| 15. |
Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles? |
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| 16. |
Do you drink alone? |
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| 17. |
Have you ever had a complete loss of memory? |
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| 18. |
Has your physician ever treated you for drinking? |
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| 19. |
Do you drink to build your self confidence? |
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| 20. |
Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking? |
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Scoring: Three yes answers indicates a probable drinking problem. Four to Seven indicates early stage of alcoholism, seven to ten yes answers indicates middle stage alcoholism; and more than ten yes answers indicates a late stage alcoholism. More than ten indicates total intervention is necessary to save your life.
If you scored more than four, please read the section on Intervention and FAQ. This may be the most important thing you do to save your life or someone you love.
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