Controlled Drinking

Am I an Alcoholic?

The ultimate test of whether or not you are alcoholic is to try a little "controlled drinking". Within Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) this is known as "research".

If your controlled drinking research results in outcomes you regret then you are suffering from alcoholism.

Is A.A. For You?

Try this questionnaire.

Diagnose yourself with a little controlled drinking

On page 31 of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, in the chapter entitled "More About Alcoholism" it says:

We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, but you can quickly diagnose yourself:

  • Step over to the nearest barroom and try a little controlled drinking.
  • Try to drink and stop abruptly. Try more than once.

It will not take long for you to decide, if you are honest with yourself about it. 

It may be worth a bad case of the jitters if you get a full knowledge of your condition.

Craving for Alcohol / Binge Drinking

Did your experiment result in a sensation of craving another drink, or another binge drinking episode?

If so, you're probably an alcoholic.  We suggest you start at step 1 in your journey of recovery.