(The Nationalist, 16 August 2002)
Being an alcoholic is not a matter of what I drink, or how long I’ve been drinking. It’s a matter of what alcohol does to me. If I want to know whether I am on my way to becoming an alcoholic, I can ask myself these twelve questions. If the answer to any of them is “Yes”, then it is time for me to have a serious look at my drinking.
If I need help, Alcoholic Anonymous are there to offer it. They’re in the phone book, or at the address given below.
- Do I drink because I have problems, or in order to face up to stressful situations?
- Do I drink when I get angry with people, whether relatives, friends, or others?
- Do I often prefer to drink alone rather than with others?
- Have I begun missing school or work because of my drinking?
- Do I ever try to stop drinking, or to drink less, and fail?
- Do I drink in the morning, before school or work?
- Do I gulp down my drinks as if I were thirsty?
- Do I ever experience loss of memory due to drinking?
- Do I avoid being honest with others about my drinking?
- Do I ever get into trouble when I have been drinking?
- Do I often get drunk when I drink, even though I meant not to?
- Do I think that being able to hold drink means I’m adult or mature?