Am I An Alcoholic? Quiz: What to Ask

Alcoholism may take many forms, and stereotypes don’t always hold true. Find out how to tell the difference between casual use, alcohol abuse and addiction.

Article at a Glance:

• Screening tests are available to help you assess your drinking habits and relationship with alcohol.
• There are two types of excessive drinking: heavy drinking and binge drinking.
• There are various types of alcoholics, and not everyone with an alcohol problem fits a stereotype.
• Symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal may take a few hours or days to show and get worse over time.
• Treatment programs and onlinealcohol rehabare available if you are facing an alcohol problem.

You don’t fit the stereotype. Maybe you’ve never been homeless, stolen money to buy alcohol or gotten a DUI. Maybe you have a job and a family — you can’t actually be addicted to alcohol, right?

Alcoholism and alcohol use disorder take many forms, and the stereotype doesn’t always hold true. So when do a few drinks with friends become a full-blown alcohol addiction? How do you know if you are an alcoholic?

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Am I An Alcoholic? Quiz

These three screening tests are confidential and available for free to help you better understand your drinking habits:

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• CAGE Alcohol Assessment: This test is an extremely short self-assessment. In spite of only being 4 questions long, it’s been shown to identify whether someone’s drinking habits are cause for concern.
• MAST Alcohol Assessment: There are multiple variations available. Ours consists of 22 yes/no questions that you can complete in a few minutes.
• AUDIT Alcohol Assessment: This assessment was created by the World Health Organization and consists of 10 multiple-choice questions.

What Is An Alcoholic?

An alcoholic is known as someone who drinks alcohol beyond his or her ability to control it and is unable to stop consuming alcohol voluntarily. Most often this is coupled with being habitually intoxicated, daily drinking, and drinking larger quantities of alcohol than most. In general,an alcoholicis someone who suffers fromalcoholism.

Alcoholics Anonymous definesthis as“a physical compulsion, coupled with a mental obsession to consume alcohol,”in which cravings for alcohol are always catered to, even at times when they should not be.

What Causes Alcoholism?

A clear cause of alcoholism has not yet been identified.Alcohol use disorderhas been identified as something that happens when a person drinks so much or so often that it changes the chemical makeup of their brain.

Alcoholism is classified as an addiction and with that, there is no single cause.

When consuming alcohol, dopamine levels are raised just as high as they would with other drugs. The brain categorizes this activity in the same way that a gratifying reward would be.

Over time, this is something people begin to crave and, therefore, depending on many factors, such as genes, environmental factors, psychological factors or stress levels, a person can be more susceptible to becoming an alcoholic.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction and Dependence

No single factor guarantees the development of alcohol addiction. However, certain risk factors can increase vulnerability:

• Family History: A strong familial predisposition raises the likelihood of dependency.
• Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD or bipolar disorder may co-occur with AUD.
• Early Initiation: Starting to drink at an early age is linked to a higher risk of developing an alcohol problem later.
• High-Stress Lifestyle: Chronic stress from work, relationships or financial worries may push some individuals to self-medicate with alcohol.
• Peer Group and Social Influences: Regularly spending time with people who engage in heavy or frequent drinking can encourage similar habits.

Awareness of these risk factors is key, especially if you already experience some red flags. Lifestyle changes, mental health support and open communication with healthcare professionals can help manage or mitigate these risks.

What’s the Difference Between Casual Drinking and Alcohol Abuse?

Let’s start with casual drinking. Unless you have religious or personal restrictions, a few drinks with friends or a glass of wine with dinner is usually not an issue. The problem starts, though, when you begin abusing the substance.

Many people use the terms “alcohol abuse” and “alcoholism” interchangeably. However, alcoholism refers to alcohol addiction or dependence, where the individual has a physical or psychological compulsion to drink alcohol. Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where a person drinks excessively in spite of the negative consequences.

Related Topic: What happens when you drink alcohol everyday

Negative Impact of Alcohol Abuse (2021 Poll Data)

Alcohol misuse can impact every aspect of your life in ways you may not expect. After surveying over one thousand people who had chosen to stop using alcohol, a 2021 poll by The Recovery Village found physical health (61%), mental health (52%) and relationships (47%) to be the most common negative impacts.

Drinking also impacted people’s careers, parental abilities, finances, hygiene, and legal status. When asked to rank these impacts, it didn’t matter if you drank heavily or not, or tried to stop using alcohol or not: physical health, mental health and relationships still took the biggest hit in respondents’ lives.

Among more than two thousand respondents reporting health complications directly related to their alcohol use:

• More than 1 in 3 reported depression (38%)
• Nearly 1 in 3 reported high blood pressure (31%)
• 1 in 6 reported liver disease (17%)
• 1 in 10 reported cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) (12%)
• 1 in 10 reported cardiovascular disease (11%)
• 1 in 7 reported a weakened immune system (15%)
• 1 in 10 reported nerve damage (11%)
• 1 in 12 reported pancreatitis (8.4%)
• 1 in 11 reported seizures (9%)
• 1 in 13 reported cancer (7.8%)

But what is excessive drinking? There are two types:

1. Heavy Drinking: For men under age 65, heavy drinking means having two drinks a day, or more than 14 drinks in a week. For women and men over age 65, heavy drinking is more than one drink a day, or more than seven drinks in a week.
2. Binge Drinking: Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol at one time. For men, it’s defined as five or more drinks within 2 hours. For women, it’s four or more drinks in that same time frame.

10 Warning Signs You’re an Alcoholic

The following are ten warning signs of alcoholism that might help you answer the question, “Am I an alcoholic?”

1. Drinking alone and in secrecy.
2. Losing interest in other activities you once found enjoyable.
3. Alcohol cravings.
4. Making drinking a priority over responsibilities.
5. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
6. Extreme mood swings and irritability.
7. Feelings of guilt associated with drinking.
8. Having a drink first thing in the morning.
9. Continuing to drink despite health, financial and family problems.
10. An inability to stop or control the amount of alcohol consumed.

Whether you’re the loved one of someone struggling with alcohol addiction, or you yourself are struggling, it’s important to be aware of these signs and to know that you’re not alone. Thousands of people from all walks of life battle alcoholism every day, and thousands make the decision to seek help.

When the Stereotype Doesn’t Fit: Types of Alcoholics

When most people imagine an alcoholic, they picture a stereotype that seems nothing like themselves. In reality, there are different types of people who are addicted to alcohol. Individuals struggling with alcohol addiction come from all backgrounds and all age groups. Do you recognize yourself in any of these?

Young Adult Subtype

Individuals in the young adult subtype make up31% of people addicted to alcohol in the U.S.They drink less frequently than the other subtypes, but when they do drink, they’re likely to overdo it and binge. They typically come from families with low rates of alcoholism.

Young Antisocial Subtype

Roughly 54% of this subtype have a psychiatric diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), a condition that’s characterized by at least three of the following:

• Recurring criminal activities
• Regular fights of assaults
• Lack of regard for the safety of others
• Lack of remorse
• Impulsiveness
• Deceitfulness
• Irresponsibility

Many of this type also have other substance addictions, anxiety problems, bipolar disorder and major depression.

Functional Subtype

The high-functioning alcoholic is perhaps the furthest from the alcoholic stereotype, leading many to be in denial about their addiction. They’re often successful, with families and stable jobs. About 62% of functional alcoholics work full time, and 26% possess a college degree or higher. This subtype makes up19.5% of people addicted to alcohol in the U.S.

Intermediate Familial Subtype

Individuals in the intermediate familial subtype are, on average, age 38 and are usually employed. About 50% of these individuals are from families with multigenerational alcoholism, and almost all have experienced clinicaldepression.

Chronic Severe Subtype

This is the rarest subtype, making up only 9% of people addicted to alcohol in the United States. Most individuals in this subtype are middle-aged and started drinking early. Of the five subtypes, they rate highest for other psychiatric disorders and abuse of other substances. Roughly 80% are from families that struggle with multigenerational alcoholism.

Signs of Alcoholism & Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcoholism, or severe alcohol use disorder, can manifest in different ways. Some individuals find it difficult to identify whether their drinking is a problem because they may be high-functioning in other areas of life, such as at work or school. Others may notice more obvious red flags, such as daily blackouts, frequent hangovers or strained relationships due to alcohol.

Common signs that might indicate alcoholism include:

• Difficulty limiting the amount of alcohol consumed
• Wanting or trying to cut down on drinking but being unable to do so
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using or recovering from alcohol
• Craving or having a strong urge to drink
• Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use
• Continuing to drink despite persistent social or interpersonal problems
• Giving up or reducing important activities in favor of drinking
• Drinking in situations that are hazardous, such as driving or operating machinery
• Developing a tolerance, meaning you need more alcohol to feel the same effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you aren’t drinking

Effects of Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication affects your brain, behavior and bodily functions. The immediate signs of being under the influence include:

• Slurred speech
• Impaired coordination and balance
• Slowed reaction times
• Impaired judgment and decision-making
• Reduced inhibitions and changes in behavior
• Mood swings, such as aggression, euphoria or depression
• Memory blackouts or loss of consciousness

In extreme cases, intoxication can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia and unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

If you have been drinking heavily for a prolonged period, suddenly stopping or drastically reducing your intake can lead to uncomfortable and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Shaking (tremors), especially in the hands
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Sweating and clammy skin
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Severe withdrawal, known as delirium tremens (DTs), includes confusion, severe agitation, fever, hallucinations and seizures. This condition can be fatal if not managed appropriately. Because of the risks, medical supervision is often recommended for people withdrawing from significant alcohol dependence.

Are the Effects of Alcoholism Reversible?

Alcoholism is a disease that can affect both children and adults, but it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. For some people, just one drink can result in intoxication, while for others, many more drinks are necessary to create the same effect. A “drink” is classified as 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of distilled spirits, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). In terms of the effects on the body and brain, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of various health issues for any user.

Despite the harm associated with alcohol consumption, the effects are reversible most of the time. Identifying problematic drinking early and getting into treatment can reverse many of the mental, emotional and physical side effects of heavy drinking. However, at a certain point, the damage is too severe. For example, liver failure and cirrhosis are complications of heavy drinking that are permanent. Permanent health damage should not deter a person from seeking treatment since SUD treatment can still improve a person’s quality of life.

Risks and Dangers of Excessive Drinking

Excessive drinking puts a heavy burden on both the individual and society at large. It is associated with a host of personal problems—ranging from physical and mental health issues to strained relationships—and broader social consequences, such as increased healthcare costs and lost workplace productivity.

Short-Term Health Risks

Some immediate and short-term dangers associated with excessive drinking include:

• Injuries and Accidents: Alcohol impairs coordination, reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of car accidents, falls and other types of unintended injury.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Drinking too much in a short period can lead to dangerously high blood alcohol levels, potentially resulting in coma or death.
• Risky Behaviors: Intoxication can lead to impulsivity, unsafe sexual practices, violence or aggression.

Long-Term Health Risks

When excessive drinking continues over a longer period, it raises the risk of developing chronic conditions and diseases:

• Heart Disease: Chronic heavy drinking can cause hypertension and heart damage, potentially leading to heart failure.
• Liver Disease: Long-term alcohol misuse is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and other liver conditions.
• Pancreatitis: Chronic alcohol use inflames the pancreas, increasing the risk of pancreatitis and its complications.
• Cancer: Heavy alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of various cancers, such as breast, colon and liver cancers.
• Mental Health Disorders: Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions often worsen or arise with continued heavy drinking.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Alcohol can impact nearly every major organ in your body. The effects may vary based on factors like genetics, age, overall health status and the amount/frequency of alcohol consumed.

Effects on the Brain

Alcohol disrupts neurotransmitters that affect mood, coordination and cognitive function. In the short term, it can lead to mood swings, impaired judgment and slurred speech. Over time, chronic alcohol use can lead to:

• Memory problems and dementia: Long-standing heavy alcohol use increases the risk of cognitive decline and issues such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, often related to vitamin B1 deficiency.
• Neurochemical imbalances: Alterations in neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA can increase the risk of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.

Effects on the Heart

While moderate alcohol consumption may have some protective cardiovascular effects in certain individuals, heavy and chronic drinking can lead to:

• Cardiomyopathy: Weakening of the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats and palpitations.
• High Blood Pressure: Chronic hypertension is a known consequence of excessive alcohol intake.

Effects on the Liver

The liver is responsible for breaking down and removing toxins, including alcohol. Heavy drinking can overwhelm this organ, leading to:

• Fatty Liver: Accumulation of fat within liver cells, which is reversible if drinking stops.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can progress to permanent scarring.
• Cirrhosis: Irreversible scarring of the liver, severely impairing its function and potentially leading to liver failure.

Effects on the Pancreas

Alcohol prompts the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can lead to:

• Pancreatitis: An acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, often accompanied by severe abdominal pain, digestive problems and an increased risk of diabetes.

Effects on Immune Health

Chronic alcohol use can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis. Alcohol can disrupt immune pathways in complex ways, including reducing the number and function of certain immune cells.

Risk of Cancer

Excessive alcohol consumption is a recognized risk factor for several types of cancer, including:

• Breast
• Liver
• Colorectal
• Esophageal
• Head and neck (oral cavity, pharynx and larynx)

The risk often increases in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed and can be exacerbated by other lifestyle factors, such as smoking.

How to Prevent Alcohol Addiction

Prevention strategies differ across different populations, but the following measures can reduce the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction:

• Education: Teaching young people about the dangers of excessive drinking and strategies for responsible alcohol use can help establish healthy habits.
• Limiting Availability: Measures like setting a personal limit, not keeping alcohol readily available at home, or avoiding high-risk situations can discourage excessive consumption.
• Positive Coping Mechanisms: Stress, anxiety or depression can trigger heavy drinking. Finding healthy outlets—exercise, meditation or hobbies—can reduce the temptation to rely on alcohol.
• Setting Boundaries: Establish rules for yourself, such as designated alcohol-free days each week or limiting the number of drinks in a social setting.
• Seeking Therapy or Support: Mental health care can address underlying issues that may lead to substance use. Even before a problem is evident, therapy and support groups can be valuable in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Remember that prevention strategies are an ongoing process, not a single action. Regularly reassessing your relationship with alcohol can help you identify warning signs early.

How to Get Diagnosed for Alcohol Use Disorder

If you suspect that you or a loved one has developed an alcohol use disorder, professional evaluation is vital for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Here’s how the diagnostic process typically works:

• Self-Assessment and Observation: Notice changes in your life—relationship conflicts, health issues, or trouble at work—that might be linked to drinking. Keep track of how much and how often you drink, as well as any physical, mental or emotional side effects.
• Medical Consultation: Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a mental health professional. Be honest about your alcohol use, health symptoms and family history.
• Screening Tools: Healthcare providers use specific questionnaires, like the CAGE or AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), to assess the severity of alcohol use. They may also conduct physical exams and lab tests (e.g., liver function tests) to detect signs of chronic drinking.
• DSM-5 Criteria: A formal diagnosis is often made based on the criteria outlined in the DSM-5, which considers factors like cravings, inability to cut back, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
• Referral for Specialized Treatment: If diagnosed, your provider may recommend outpatient or inpatient treatment programs and introduce you to specialists in addiction medicine or therapy.

The earlier you seek diagnosis and intervention, the higher your chances of successful recovery. Treating AUD sooner rather than later can mitigate long-term damage to physical, emotional and social health.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

Overcoming alcohol use disorder is possible through various treatment options that address the multiple dimensions of addiction. A personalized plan can help you or a loved one sustain meaningful, long-term recovery.

Medical Detox

Medical detoxification is often the first step for individuals with moderate-to-severe alcohol dependence. Because withdrawal symptoms can be both uncomfortable and dangerous, medical detox provides a supervised environment where healthcare professionals can monitor vital signs, manage symptoms and prevent complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).

• Inpatient Detox: Recommended for those with severe withdrawal risk, co-occurring medical conditions or a history of relapse.
• Outpatient Detox: Suitable for individuals with milder dependence, strong social support and no significant withdrawal risks.

Counseling

Counseling, in both individual and group settings, is an essential component of recovery:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and adjust negative thought patterns and behaviors that lead to alcohol misuse.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages self-motivation to change and resolve ambivalence about quitting alcohol.
• Family Therapy: Involves family members in the recovery process to address communication issues, establish healthy boundaries and create a supportive home environment.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Certain medications can help manage cravings and maintain sobriety:

• Naltrexone: Blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, reducing the desire to drink.
• Acamprosate: Helps restore chemical balance in the brain and alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
• Disulfiram: Causes unpleasant side effects like nausea and headache when combined with alcohol, deterring drinking.

Medication-assisted treatment is often most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.

Support Network

Developing and maintaining a robust support system can significantly improve recovery outcomes:

• 12-Step Programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous): Follows a structured approach emphasizing personal growth, accountability and peer support.
• Non-12-Step Programs (e.g., SMART Recovery): Uses science-based strategies and self-help techniques to foster motivation and coping skills.
• Peer Support Groups: Group settings provide community, empathy and shared resources. Being around people with similar experiences can strengthen your resolve.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs are designed to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery:

• Inpatient/Residential Rehab: Offers round-the-clock care, structured schedules and a supportive environment away from daily triggers.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs): Provide intensive treatment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): Offer flexibility for those who need structured therapy and support but must meet personal or professional obligations.
• Outpatient Treatment: Generally for individuals with milder addictions or those transitioning from an intensive program. This includes ongoing therapy sessions, support groups and regular check-ins with a treatment professional.

Each person’s journey to recovery is unique. A health professional can help tailor a plan that aligns with your specific needs, including addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders.

Final Thoughts: Taking an “Am I an Alcoholic?” Quiz and Next Steps

If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, an “Am I an Alcoholic?” quiz can be an informative starting point. Such quizzes typically ask about your drinking habits, emotional state, cravings and social or physical consequences. While these self-assessment tools are not diagnostic, they can highlight warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

From there, speaking with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is the next critical step. Professional evaluation and diagnosis are crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy. Alcohol use disorder can affect your relationships, career and long-term health, so addressing it early can lead to better outcomes.

Whether you’re exploring prevention strategies, suspect you have mild symptoms or believe you might have severe AUD, remember:

• You Are Not Alone: Many people have overcome alcohol dependence and found lasting recovery.
• Professional Help Is Available: Evidence-based treatments, such as medical detox, counseling, medication-assisted treatment and rehab programs, can provide a strong foundation for change.
• Support Systems Matter: Lean on family, friends, support groups and sober communities to bolster your resolve and maintain accountability.

Your path to a healthier relationship with alcohol—up to and including complete sobriety—may involve some trial and error. However, recognizing the problem and taking that initial step to evaluate your drinking is a powerful act of self-awareness. With the right combination of professional guidance, peer support and personal determination, it is entirely possible to break free from the cycle of alcohol misuse and reclaim a fulfilling, sober life.

Getting Help For Alcoholism

Discovering you aren’t just a casual drinker and are facing an alcohol problem can be shocking. But we’re here for you. Get the facts aboutalcohol addiction here. And when you’re ready, learn about alcohol detox or othertreatment programsor get started withonline rehab.