Editor’s Note: This is the second in an occasional series of articles offered in conjunction with the Five County Mental Health Authority. It is our hope that our readers will find them useful in the improvement of their everyday lives.
Alcohol abuse creates a wide range of problems for individuals, their families and communities, and for society as a whole.
Heavy drinking increases an individual’s risk for alcohol abuse and dependence. Frequent heavy drinking increases this risk considerably.
This self screening is an opportunity for individuals to discuss with a health professional how they use alcohol and whether their drinking habits are putting themselves and others at risk.
Are you concerned, or have other people said they are worried about your drinking? Why not answer this brief screening to find
out if you are at risk ?
Do you lose time from work due to drinking?
Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
Is drinking affecting your good reputation?
Have you ever felt remorse or guilt after drinking?
Do you sometimes think that you need to cut back on your drinking?
Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of drinking?
Does your drinking make you careless in taking care of your family?
Do you turn to lower companions and environments when drinking?
Has your ambition and efficiency decreased since your drinking?
Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
Do you want a drink the next morning?
Does drinking cause you to have difficulty sleeping well?
Is drinking hurting your job or business?
Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?
Do you drink alone regularly?
Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?
Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of your drinking?
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you may have a problem with alcohol. You can talk to someone by calling Five County HELPLINE at 1-877-619-3761, or call Anne Williams at 252-430-1330 to find out about local support groups
or 12 step meetings.