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Self Help

Self Tests: Early Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Self Test I: EARLY SIGNS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
Self Test II: ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE

Self-Test I: Early Signs of Alcohol Abuse
(Adapted/Developed by L. Hickman, Ph.D.)

Respond to the following questions by checking Yes or No:

Early Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Yes No

1. Have you missed classes more than once due to a hangover?

2. Have you felt you should cut down on your drinking?

3. Have you decided to cut down on your drinking and found out that you could Not?

4. Have you been angered by the criticism of others about your drinking?

5. Have you gotten into fights while drinking?

6. Is excessive/binge alcohol use a significant part of your weekly social/recreational activities?

7. Have you gotten into problems with RAs or campus police because of your drinking?

8 Do you routinely "binge" drink? (Binge drinking for women is defined as drinking four or more drinks during an episode of drinking. For men - five drinks is considered "binge drinking.")

9. Have you ever had periods of time you cannot account for while you were drinking or after drinking occurrences?

10. Have you had sexual experiences after drinking that you later felt bad about?

SCORING For Self Test I:
Give yourself 1 point for each "Yes" response.

Score = 0
Congratulations! Your responses on this test suggest that your use of alcohol is not causing you any on-going negative experiences indicative of early warning signs of alcohol abuse or dependence. To be on the safe side take Self-Test II. Also review information on responsible use of alcohol.

Score = 1
A score of "1" indicates that now is the time to evaluate how much you are drinking, how often, and the impact your alcohol consumption is having on you. A score of "1" also indicates that you should probably reduce the quantity of alcohol you consume. To learn more, you may wish to take Self-Test II. And review information on responsible use of alcohol.

Score = 2 or greater
More than one Yes response indicates the definite need for you to limit your alcohol use by either abstaining or limiting your use to responsible levels of consumption. Review the suggestions in OK, SO NOW WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are unable to control your use then it's time to abstain completely. If you need help making that decision counselors at the UCC or the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education can provide a confidential alcohol assessment as well as assistance in helping you change your relationship with alcohol.

Self Test II: ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
(Adapted/Developed by L. Hickman, Ph.D.)

Some additional screening questions to help you determine if your alcohol use is becoming problematic. Check the box under Yes or No.

ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
Yes No

1. Do you ever lie about how much alcohol you're consuming?

2. Have your grades suffered because of drinking?

3. Do you typically hang out with others who are heavy drinkers and avoid socializing with acquaintances who seldom drink?

4. Do you frequently regret things you've said or done after drinking?

5. Do you routinely use alcohol to reduce stress?

6 Is it hard for you to enjoy social activities if alcohol is unavailable?

7. Have your friends ever made comments to you about cutting back on your alcohol use?

8. Do you drink to get a buzz once a week or more?

9. Do you often drink alone?

10. Do you conceal from others how much you are drinking?

SCORING FOR SELF TEST II:
If you've answered "Yes" to ANY of the above questions it's quite likely that you are no longer a light or moderate user of alcohol. It is also likely that your potential for developing more serious alcohol related problems is increasing. Review the suggestions in OK, SO NOW WHAT SHOULD I DO?

"OK, SO NOW WHAT SHOULD I DO ?"

STEP ONE: Evaluate your relationship with alcohol and at the very least reduce the regularity and quantity in which you drink. Review information on responsible use of alcohol.

STEP TWO: More than one yes response on EITHER self test strongly indicates the need for you to decide to limit or abstain from alcohol use.

If you find this is not possible please seek confidential assistance from the staff at either the UCC or the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education.

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