Am I an Alcoholic Quiz | What is an Alcoholic?
What is an Alcoholic
What is an alcoholic? This is a question to which the answer will vary depending on who you ask. Seventy five years ago if you asked this question the answer would be a lot different than the answer you would receive today. In the past it was thought the alcoholic was the unemployed man living on the streets drinking from the moment he woke up til the moment he went to sleep. Today we know that while that man may very well be an alcoholic, there are millions of alcoholics who do not fit that description at all. Being an Alcoholic, also known as, having alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is a medical condition which affects individuals of all social classes, races, religions, sexual orientations, and genders.
Alcoholism Definition
Alcoholism, alcohol dependence, alcohol use disorder, or being an alcoholic is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as “a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations.”
Am I an Alcoholic
If you have ever asked yourself any of the following questions about yourself or someone you know, please continue reading below to see if you or that person meets medical criteria to be considered an alcoholic.
- Am I drinking too much?
- Why can’t I stop drinking?
- What is an Alcoholic?
- What defines an Alcoholic?
- Am I an alcoholic?
- Is my husband an alcoholic?
- Is my wife an alcoholic?
- Is my son an alcoholic?
- Is my daughter an alcoholic?
- What’s an alcoholic?
- What is alcoholism?
- What is alcohol use disorder?
- Does an alcoholic have to drink everyday?
- What are the characteristics of an alcoholic?
Am I an Alcoholic Test
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) changed from differentiating Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependence to a single category of Alcohol Use Disorder. DSM-5 criteria are as follows:
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by 2 or more of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
- Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
- Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol
- Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What is Considered Alcohol Abuse
The DSM-5 has eliminated the distinction between Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, combining them under the name Alcohol Use Disorder. Therefore officially there is no criteria for alcohol abuse. That being said, if you find your drinking to be problematic, or your loved ones find your drinking problematic, it is fair to say you may fall under the hypothetical category of Alcohol Abuse
Am I an Alcoholic if I don’t Drink Everyday
The short answer to this question is, possibly. If the criteria above has left you wondering or still unsure about you or someone you know’s status as an alcoholic, or having alcohol use disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are more than happy to provide a free no obligation consultation via phone. We can be reached at our main number, 855-698-3554 or you can reach out to a treatment specialist directly at 201-663-2914. To submit an inquiry via our website click here
If after reading the above criteria you have realized that you or someone you know is in fact an alcoholic or struggling with alcohol use disorder please reach out to us for help! Our treatment specialists are happy to guide you or your loved one on a path to recovery. We can be reached at our main number, 855-698-3554 or you can reach out to a treatment specialist directly at 201-663-2914. To submit an inquiry via our website click here