Expert: Rebos - 11/6/2006

Question
I am 51 and although I only drink 2 or 3 bottles a week I feel I have a drink problem.  I know that the main reason I drink is because I am lonely as I dont need to drink as much when I am with friends.  I am divorced and I have friends and activities which I do but sometimes the lonlinesss gets to me and I drink to take away the feelings of isolation.  Usually I get on the phone at these times so it seems I am with someone.

Answer
Good morning Susanna

Thank you for your question.

Below you will find 12 questions that can be used to determine if you may be having a drinking problem. They must be answered truthfully in order for them to be meaningful.

1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

2. Do you wish that people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do?

3. Have you ever switched from one drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?

4. Have you ever had an eye-opener upon wakening during the past year?

5. Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

6. Have you had any problems connected with drinking during the past year?

7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

8. Do you ever try to get extra drinks at a party because you do not get enough?

9. Do you tell yourself that you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?

10. Have you missed days at work or school because of drinking?

11. Do you have "blackouts"? A blackout is when you have been drinking there are periods of time that you can't remember.

12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

IF YOU WERE TO ANSWER YES TO 4 OR MORE QUESTIONS then you are probably in trouble with alcohol.

I would be pleased to answer any follow up questions that you may have resulting from my answer to you. Thank you Rebos