Do I Have A Drinking Problem?  We've listed the Alcoholics Anonymous' 12 Question Quiz to whether you have a problem, however here are some further signs of a developing drinking problem. You can use them on yourself, if you're worried you might be developing a problem, or on someone else if you're worried they might be developing a drinking problem.
The first thing to consider is how much you actually drink. Think back to the last week and try and write down how much you drank or if you can't remember note down how much you drink each day in the upcoming week. Try to do it on a typical week, as special occasions like birthdays and Christmas often mean you have a bit more. It's Ok to drink a little extra at these times but it's definitely not Ok to drink this much all the time.  The recommended limit of what you should drink is different for men and women. It's 3-4 units (1.5 - 2 pints of beer) a day for blokes and 2-3 units a day for women. If you find out that you're drinking more than this, when you look at what you've drunk in the last week then you should definitely cut down (See cutting down tips) as a drinking problem could be developing.
Initial signs of a drinking problem can be:  Drinking more frequently even if you've got big plans or commitments the next day and drinking more and more each time- Often missing school or work due to hangovers
- Getting into some kind of trouble when drunk, like fights, accidents or hurting yourself
- Having arguments with your friends and family when drunk or over your drinking
- Waking up, worrying about what happened the night before or worrying about what you did as you wouldn't have done it if you hadn't drunk so much
If these are one–off's it still might be a very good idea to cut down, but if they're not and then check to see any of these ring a bell:  Drinking alone- Drinking at times of the day when people don't usually drink
- Feeling like you need a drink
- Finishing the first drink really quickly before anyone else
- Ordering larger amounts and stronger drinks than others
- Drinking to face certain situations, like something stressful
- Getting into more arguments with friends and family
- Getting argumentative if someone else says you drink too much
- Hiding any evidence of drinking and lying about drinking
- If people say they're worried due to how much you drink
- Having the shakes and feeling sick when not drinking
- Spending a lot of money on alcohol, more than you can afford
- Feeling secretly uncomfortable about your drinking.
It is a definite problem bordering on alcoholism if the following are happening:  Waking up with the shakes and the sweats- Increasing what you drink to get the same effect
- Starting the day with a drink
- Drinking a lot during the day without getting drunk
- Feeling uneasy without a drink
- Hiding any evidence of drinking and lying about drinking
If you notice these signs in you or another person then a drinking problem is developing. The first, bravest and best step to overcoming a problem like this is admitting it you then it is a must to seek professional help to overcome it. Alcoholics Anonymous is always a good first step and even if it's not you with the problem they're good to talk to so you know how to go about helping someone else you're worried about. If you or anybody you know are having problems with alcohol try the following places for help and support @ the Addictions Links Page. Read:
by ChrisM
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What your friends are doing