There are a limitless number of tools to help determine whether or not a person has a drinking problem. Some are very simple such as the CAGE (Ewing, 1984). This questionnaire includes four questions that are intended to determine potential alcohol dependence. The questions pertain to your entire life, and they are answered with a yes or no.
1. Have you ever felt you should CUT down on your drinking?
2. Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (EYE-OPENER)?
According to the makers of this test, a yes on 1 or none of the questions indicate a low probabilty of a problem. Answering yes to 2 or more questions would be considered clinically significant and indicate a high probability of a problem. If you scored 2 or higher on this test, it is recommended that you see a mental health professional for further assessment or feel free to contact me by phone or email.
The truth is that if you are actually looking for an answer to the question of whether you are an alcoholic or problem drinker, it is likely that have had some negative consequences (fight with significant other, financial crunch, legal issue, physical problem, etc) related to your drinking that has led you to feel not so hot. What usually follows these types of consequences is a belief that a person should at least cut down due to those events. Bottom line is that if you have come looking for answers…look no further. Make the changes you think are necessary, and if you can’t stick with what you have committed to do, you probably need outside help. -In Wellness- David