The following questions were designed to address concerns relating to alcohol usage, but they also apply to other substances and behaviors. If you are thinking about a substance or a behavior other than drinking, just use your imagination and substitute whatever your have in mind for the words “drink” or “drinking.”

Note: This is meant as a “tool” to help you evaluate your own behavior.  It is not meant as a definitive assessment or diagnosis. Please think of it as a guide, not a label.

Ask yourself the following questions, and answer them as honestly as you can. Note those items you answer "yes" or "sometimes."

• Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

• Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

• Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

• Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?

• Do you drink alone?

• Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

• Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?

• Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?

• Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" to any one of the questions, there is a definite warning that you may have a drinking (or some other substance/behavior) problem.

IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" to any two questions, the chances are that you do have a drinking (or some other substance/behavior) problem.

IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" to three or more, you definitely have a drinking (or some other substance/behavior) problem.

(These questions, and these criteria have been used by Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, MD, in deciding whether or not a patient is an alcoholic.)