Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Many people have a curiosity about whether their drinking is under control. While numerous quizzes and self-tests for alcoholism are available online, they often overlook the fact that individuals with alcoholism may struggle to be honest with themselves. Having taken many of these quizzes before quitting drinking, I realized they often allowed for denial and rationalization. So, I’ve reframed these questions with answers that might resonate more with someone who has a problematic relationship with alcohol. If you find yourself relating to these answers, it might be worth considering if you have an issue with drinking. The good news is, help is available when you’re ready to seek it.

Do you try to avoid family or close friends while you are drinking?

• Response: Maybe, but I’m not hiding or anything. I just prefer to drink alone in a more relaxing way.

Do you drink heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure, or after a quarrel?

• Response: No, not really. It’s not because of those things. Everyone drinks to relieve stress; it’s the number one thing people go to.

Can you handle more alcohol now than when you first started to drink?

• Response: Yes, and I can also run farther than when I first started running. Having a tolerance doesn’t make me an alcoholic; it makes me more skilled at drinking.

Have you ever been unable to remember part of the previous evening, even though your friends say you didn’t pass out?

• Response: Of course, who hasn’t?

When drinking with others, do you try to have a few extra drinks when they won’t notice?

• Response: I’ll have a drink or a few drinks while getting ready to go out. That’s just part of my night.

Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable if alcohol is not available?

• Response: Of course I feel uncomfortable without alcohol! Who doesn’t feel uncomfortable sometimes without it?

Are you more eager for your first drink of the day than you used to be?

• Response: My responsibilities have increased, so I’m a bit more stressed. But it’s hard to say. Probably not.

Do you sometimes feel a little guilty about your drinking?

• Response: Maybe a little.

Do you often want to continue drinking after your friends say they’ve had enough?

• Response: People who say, “I’ve had enough” are usually trying to control their drinking. They’re the ones with the problem.

Do you usually have a reason for the occasions when you drink heavily?

• Response: Are you suggesting there needs to be one?

When you’re sober, do you sometimes regret things you did or said while drinking?

• Response: Most of the regrettable things I’ve done have been pretty funny. Besides, it’s hard to regret something I only vaguely remember.

Have you tried switching brands or drinks, or following different plans to control your drinking?

• Response: I did it to control how drunk I got, not to control my drinking. There’s a difference.

Have you sometimes failed to keep promises you made to yourself about controlling or cutting down on your drinking?

• Response: Everyone quits sober January. Literally everyone I know did.

Have you ever had a DUI or any other legal problem related to your drinking?

• Response (a): Nope! No problem here.
• Response (b): Yes, but it was my friend’s fault. She let me drive home.

Are you having more financial, work, school, or family problems as a result of your drinking?

• Response: Not as a direct result.

Have you recently noticed that you can’t drink as much as you used to?

• Response: This quiz asked earlier if I was able to drink more. These quizzes just make you feel like an alcoholic.

Do you sometimes stay drunk for several days at a time?

• Response: No, I might drink several days in a row, but I’m not drunk the whole time.

Do you sometimes have the shakes in the morning and find that it helps to have a little drink, tranquilizer, or medication?

• Response: Do brunch drinks count? LOL.

If you find yourself answering these questions similarly, it might be time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Remember, you don’t have to make changes until you’re ready, and there is help available if you seek it.