We’re facing a ‘looming addiction crisis’ with millions turning to alcohol to cope with the pandemic
Money worries, the stresses of juggling work and childcare, and emotional fallout from the virus have left many reaching for the bottle. Yet drinking regularly can raise the risk of a host of health problems, including stroke, heart attack and liver disease.
Please circle the answer that is correct for you:
- How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
A) Never
B) Monthly or less
C) 2-4 times a month
D) 2-3 times a week
E) 4 times a week
- How many standard drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when drinking?
A) 1 or 2
B) 3 or 4
C) 5 or 6
D) 7 to 9
E) 10 or more
- How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
A) Never
B) Less than monthly
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
E) Daily or almost daily
- During the past year, how often were you not able to stop drinking once you had started?
A) Never
B) Less than monthly
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
E) Daily or almost daily
- During the past year, how often have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?
A) Never
B) Less than monthly
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
E) Daily or almost daily
- During the past year, how often have you needed a drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
A) Never
B) Less than monthly
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
E) Daily or almost daily
- During the past year, how often have you had a feeling of remorse or guilt after drinking?
A) Never
B) Less than monthly
C) Monthly
D) Weekly
E) Daily or almost daily
- During the past year, have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
a) Never
b) Less than monthly
c) Monthly
d) Weekly
e) Daily or almost daily
- Have you or someone else ever been injured as a result of your drinking?
A) No
B) Yes, but not in the past year
C) Yes, during the past year
- Has a relative, friend, doctor or other health worker ever been concerned about your drinking and suggested to you that you cut it down?
A) No
B) Yes, but not in the past year
C) Yes, during the past year
SCORING
0 for each A
1 for each B
2 for each C
3 for each D
4 for each E
For questions 9 and 10:
Score 0 for A
2 for B
4 for C
A score of 8+ indicates harmful or hazardous drinking
13+ in women and
15+ in men
indicates alcohol dependence