Self Assessment

There are many indications of addiction, but sometimes we aren't sure if we've crossed the line and lost control. Here we have listed some resources that can be of help when trying to figure out if you may need help.

The CAGE test

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?

2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?

3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?

4. Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, or get rid of a bad hangover?

Two or three positive responses suggest alcohol of drug dependence.  This test was developed by Dr. John Ewing, University of North Carolina.

Do YOU Have a Problem with Alcohol?

1. Do you lose time from work due to drinking?

2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?

5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

6. Have you ever gotten into financial troubles because of drinking?

7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?

8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?

9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?

11. Do you want a drink the next morning?

12. Does your drinking cause you to have difficulty sleeping?

13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

15. Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?

16. Do you drink alone?

17. Have you ever had complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?

19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?

20. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

Results

If you have answered YES to any of the questions, you may be an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to any two, chances are that you are an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic.

The above test questions were developed by the John's Hopkins University Hospital

To understand the progression of alcohol addiction, please click here