This document provides checklists to help identify signs of problem drinking and alcohol dependency. The early warning signs checklist includes behaviors like being drunk more often than planned, having accidents due to drinking, and regretting things done after drinking. The problem drinking checklist includes thinking a lot about drinking, needing a drink before activities, and others commenting on drinking. The dependency checklist focuses on needing to increase amounts to feel the same effect, needing a drink in the morning, and lying about drinking. The document advises that ticking multiple items means the reader likely has a problem and should seek help cutting back or getting treatment.

1. :
Early warning signs
Tick here if they apply
to you
Being drunk more often, particularly when needing to be on good
form the next day
Taking the day off because of a hangover
Having accidents because of drink
Having an argument at home which you know was really because
you had been drinking
Getting into trouble because of drinking - fights, drinking and driving
Doing something you would not otherwise have done after drinking
and regretting it
Drinking more than you planned to in an evening
If these are only isolated incidents you may just need to think more carefully about reducing the
number of drinks you have and where and when you decide to have them.
Sign of problem drinking
Tick here if you recognise
yourself doing any of these
Thinking a lot about when you can next have a drink
Gulping your first drink quickly
Being conscious of how often you are the first person to finish a
drink
Having more than the occasional hangover
Needing to have a drink before doing things or facing certain
situations
Feeling sick, having the shakes, sweating in the morning or
middle of the night
Spending more than you can afford on alcohol
Ordering doubles when it’s your round
Often feeling that you need a drink
Increase in arguments and rows at home over drink
Being annoyed if others mention your drinking or your
behaviour when you were drunk
Other people telling you that they are worried about your
drinking
Feeling secretly uncomfortable about your drinking
Drinking secretly
Deliberately hiding the evidence of your drinking (lying about
money, hiding drink and empty alcohol containers)
Starting to drink at times when you didn’t before and earlier in
the day
If you have ticked a number of the above signs then you are likely to have a problem with alcohol. It
would be worth looking at the tips (later on in this section) for cutting down and for getting help.

2. Symptom of Dependency
Tick if you experience this
symptom
Have to increase the amount you drink to maintain the
same effect
Always wake up with the shakes and feeling sweaty
Need a drink to start the day
Drink large quantities over the course of the day
without it making you drunk
Feel uncomfortable if you don’t have a drink at hand
Lie about your drinking
Are covering up your drinking and the costs of it
If you have ticked 3 or more you are likely to be dependent on alcohol and will require help with
dealing with your alcohol problem.