What Is Problem Drinking?

No objective definition exists for "problem drinking." Alcohol problems occur at all educational and social levels, and in every age group. Ask yourself the following questions. If you find the answer is "yes" to even two or three of the questions below, you should seriously examine how alcohol is affecting your health, safety, job performance and relationships with others. 

1.  When under pressure at your job, do you calm down with a drink at lunch? 2.  Do you ever have hangovers? 3.  Do family quarrels most often occur after you've had a drink or two? 4.  Does your family think you drink too much?

5.  Have you ever injured yourself or another person after drinking?

6.  Are you often on - and off - the wagon?

7.  If you drink regularly, do you know how much you spend at the liquor store or in restaurants, or do you avoid the calculation?

8.  Do you avoid situations where it would be impossible for you to get a drink if you wanted one?

9.  When pouring yourself the second or third glass of wine or beer, or mixing the additional highball, do you reassure yourself
     that you deserve it?

10. If you know that you have to drive home in an hour, do you have a second drink anyway?

(Source: National Council on Alcoholism)