Simple test reveals if you’re a functioning alcoholic – and where to get help

The Brits are no strangers to a drink or two at the end of the day, and as the days get warmer, the options open up.

But good weather or not, do you drink alcohol regularly?

1

If you rely on yourself to be fine, drink it alone, and even hide your habit from loved ones, it might be time to face the fact that you’re a functioning alcoholic.

A functioning alcoholic is someone who suffers from alcoholism but is still able to go about their daily activities.

They can hold down a job, play a family role, and seem to get by with most people, which explains why the condition is easily overlooked.

Functioning alcoholics may not fit the image of a heavy drinker — and the fact that they can handle big responsibilities despite their habit makes many deny this.

How do I know if I’m a functioning alcoholic?

Addiction Treatment Center Northpoint Recovery says there are 20 questions you should ask yourself to find out if you’re a functional alcoholic.

1. Do you tend to keep your drinking a secret from the people you love most?
2. Do you feel like you have your alcohol consumption under control?
3. Do you think you can stop drinking alcohol at any time?
4. Do you often feel that alcohol helps you relax or unwind after a long or stressful day?
5. Do you feel like drinking alcohol gives you a level of confidence that you don’t normally have?
6. Do you often drink alcohol when you wake up or do you drink it in the mornings?
7. When you drink alcohol, do you usually only consume it when you are alone?
8. When drinking alcohol, do you ever exceed the limits you set for the amount?
9. Have you ever passed out after drinking alcohol?
10. Have you ever been arrested for drunk driving?
11. Do you often joke with others about being an alcoholic?
12. Have you ever missed work because you drank too much the night before and had a hangover?
13. Do you sometimes get angry when you confront someone with a drinking problem?
14. Ever drink while babysitting?
15. Have you ever had unsafe sex after drinking alcohol?
16. Do you feel like it’s impossible for you to become an alcoholic just because you have a good job?
17. Do you often find it difficult not to think about your next drink after your last drink?
18. Does the thought of not having access to alcohol make you panic inside?
19. Do you ever feel like you’re not quite yourself unless you’re drinking alcohol?
20. Do you have a hard time imagining fun without drinking alcohol?

if you take the quiz The Northpoint Recovery website will immediately show you your results.

How and where to get help

Talking to your GP is a good place to start. Try to be as specific and honest as possible about how much you drink and what problems it might cause you.

If you’ve become addicted to alcohol, you probably need help to cut down or stop drinking altogether.

You may also need assistance to maintain this change afterwards.

If you’re concerned about your own or others’ drinking, you can call Drinkline – the national alcohol helpline – free and confidential on 0300 123 1110. It is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free support group whose “12-step” program is to get sober through regular support groups.

We are with you is a UK treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities cope with the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

There is information and support available for people who are concerned about how much alcohol they are drinking alcohol switch United Kingdomin both English and Welsh.

Your GP can suggest different methods of assessing your alcohol consumption and the support options available to you, such as: B. Local community alcohol services, counseling and free alcohol support groups.

If you are a member LGBTQ+ community or you are part of it ethnic minorities and religious communitiesthere are specific alcohol support services that you can take advantage of.

It is recommended not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week – although the unit varies depending on the strength of the alcohol.

For example, a 750ml bottle of red, white or rosé wine (13.5% ABV) contains 10 units.

Anyone who regularly drinks more than 14 units of alcohol per week risks damaging their health.

The previously held opinion that a certain alcohol consumption is good for the heart has been revised. NHS guide says.