Are You Drinking Too Much?

drinking too much

This screening test was developed by the World Health Organisation to help determine whether an individual’s drinking is becoming hazardous or harmful to their health. Read carefully through the ten questions below about your use of alcoholic drinks over the last year and answer the questions as accurately as possible.

Remember that 1 unit of alcohol is: ½ pint of average strength beer or lager OR one standard glass (125ml) of wine OR one pub measure of spirits NB a can of high strength lager or beer may contain 3 to 4 units of alcohol (see unit guide for further information on units of alcohol).

1) How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

Never
Monthly or less
2 to 4 times a month
2 to 3 times a week
4 or more times a week

2) How many units of alcohol do you drink on a typical day when you are drinking?

1 or 2
3 or 4
5 or 6
7,8 or 9
10 or more

3) How often do you have 6 or more units of alcohol on one occasion?

Never
Less than monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or almost daily

4) How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?

Never
Less than monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or almost daily

5) How often during the last year have you failed to do what was expected from you because of drinking?

Never
Less than monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or almost daily

6) How often during the last year have you needed a first drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?

Never
Less than monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or almost daily

7) How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

Never
Less than monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or almost daily

8) How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?

Never
Less than monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or almost daily

9) Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?

No
Yes, but not in the last year
Yes, in the last year

10) Has a relative, friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

No
Yes, but not in the last year
Yes, during the last year
 
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