Self-Tests to Help Determine a Drinking Problem

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Drinking Problem?Self-TestsOther Signs of an Alcohol ProblemFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is a Drinking Problem?

Self-Tests

Other Signs of an Alcohol Problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Some say that if you have to ask whether or not you have adrinking problem, chances are that you probably do. And if others in your life have told you that you have a problem, you probably do. If you have continued to drink in spite ofnegative consequences, that could be an indication of a serious problem.

This article discusses some of the self-tests that can help you determine if you might have a drinking problem.

A drinking problem is not an official diagnosis. Instead, the term is used to indicate that a person misuses alcohol.

A person with a drinking problem may or may not have an alcohol use disorder. In some cases, people who might be described asproblem drinkerscan reduce their alcohol intake orquit drinkingwhen they realize it negatively affects their lives.

If you have done the same thing—told yourself you would never get that drunk again, or even drink again—but found yourself a few days later doing exactly what you swore toyourselfyou would never do, chances are your drinking falls into the category of an alcohol use disorder, previously labeled asalcohol abuseandalcohol dependence.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), your drinking may be considered risky if your alcohol consumption exceeds the following amounts:

If you are consuming more than this, you may have a drinking problem. However, you may still experience negative effects on your life and health if you are consuming less than those amounts.

10 Tips for Cutting Back on Drinking

Self-Tests If You May Have a Drinking Problem

There are many short alcohol screening tests that have been designed to quickly screen for drinking problems, including the MAST, the AUDIT, the FAST, among others. Here are some of the tests that are available online:

Self-assessments can be helpful for spotting the signs of a problem, but consider talking to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your alcohol consumption. They can make an official diagnosis and provide further advice and treatment recommendations.

Do you suspect that you are experiencing withdrawal from alcohol? If you’re not sure, consider taking analcohol withdrawal symptoms quizto learn more.

Other Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol Problem

In addition to using a self-assessment, it can be helpful to understand some of the other signs that might indicate a drinking problem.

While each person is different, some symptoms to watch for include:

Other signs of concern include needing to drink more alcohol to produce the same effects and having strong cravings for alcohol. Alcohol use that creates problems with your ability to function at home, at work, in school, or in your relationships is a sign of a drinking problem.

If you have decided that you do have a drinking problem and you want to do something about it, there is a world of help available. The first step should be to contact your healthcare provider and be totally honest about your use of alcohol. Quitting alcohol suddenly can result inalcohol withdrawal symptomsthat can range from mild to life-threatening.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you suspect that someone you know has a drinking problem, there are some signs that might indicate an issue. Common signs include: drinking to relieve stress or cope with problems, becoming irritable when not drinking, and having problems as a result of alcohol use.Learn More:Signs Your Dating Someone With a Drinking ProblemDeciding to cut back or quit drinking is often the first step. If you experience symptoms of withdrawal when reducing your alcohol intake, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help supervise your detox andprescribe medicationsthat may help curb your alcohol use.Learn More:7 Best Ways to Quit Drinking

If you suspect that someone you know has a drinking problem, there are some signs that might indicate an issue. Common signs include: drinking to relieve stress or cope with problems, becoming irritable when not drinking, and having problems as a result of alcohol use.Learn More:Signs Your Dating Someone With a Drinking Problem

If you suspect that someone you know has a drinking problem, there are some signs that might indicate an issue. Common signs include: drinking to relieve stress or cope with problems, becoming irritable when not drinking, and having problems as a result of alcohol use.

Learn More:Signs Your Dating Someone With a Drinking Problem

Deciding to cut back or quit drinking is often the first step. If you experience symptoms of withdrawal when reducing your alcohol intake, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help supervise your detox andprescribe medicationsthat may help curb your alcohol use.Learn More:7 Best Ways to Quit Drinking

Deciding to cut back or quit drinking is often the first step. If you experience symptoms of withdrawal when reducing your alcohol intake, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help supervise your detox andprescribe medicationsthat may help curb your alcohol use.

Learn More:7 Best Ways to Quit Drinking

1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Rethinking Drinking. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

1 Source

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Rethinking Drinking. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Rethinking Drinking. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?