Could I be an Alcoholic?

Only you know the answer to this. There is no medical test for alcoholism.

Ask yourself the following questions and answer them as honestly as you can.

u     Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

u     Does your drinking make you careless of your family’s welfare?

u     Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

u     Is drinking affecting your reputation?

u     Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?

u     Do you drink alone?

u     Have you lost time from work due to drinking?

u     Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

u     Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

u     Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

u     Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

u     Are you in financial difficulties as a result of your drinking?

u     Do you turn or seek an inferior environment when drinking?

u     Do you crave a drink at a definite time each day?

u     Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

u     Do you want to drink the next morning?

u     Do you drink to build self-confidence?

u     Have you had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

u     Has your doctor ever treated you for drinking?

u     Have you ever been in hospital or prison because of drinking?

If you have answered 'YES' to any one of these questions, there is a definite warning that you may be alcoholic.

If you have answered 'YES' to two or more, the chances are that you are an alcoholic.

Why do we say this? — because the experience of hundreds of thousands of recovering alcoholics has taught us some basic truths about our symptoms — and about ourselves.

OK — I think I might have a problem.

How can AA help? What sort of organization is it?

This is a statement which has been read at the beginning of each AA meeting throughout the world since 1947:

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”

How does AA protect my Anonymity?

We only use first names at AA meetings. You may find yourself next to a judge or a kitchen hand — you will never know.

If I go to an AA meeting, does that commit me to anything?

No. AA keeps no membership files or attendance records. You need not disclose anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you don't want to come back.

What happens if I meet people I know in AA?

They will be there for the same reason as you. They will not reveal your identity to outsiders.

What happens at an AA meeting?

An AA meeting will take several forms, but at any meeting you will find alcoholics talking about what drink did to their lives and personalities; what action they took to deal with this and how they are living their lives today.

 Do I have to join in?

Absolutely not. Just come along and listen — that's how we all started.

How can this help me with my drink problem?

We in AA know what it is like to be addicted to alcohol, and to be unable to keep promises made to others and to ourselves that we will stop drinking. We are not professional therapists; our only qualification for helping others to recover from alcoholism is that we are recovering ourselves. Problem drinkers coming to us know that recovery is possible because they see and hear people who have done it.

What will happen if I carry on drinking?  

Our experience has been that Alcoholism is a progressive illness. Take it seriously, even if you feel that you are at an early stage. Alcoholism is a killer disease.If you are an alcoholic and continue to drink you will get worse.

What A.A. Does:

Nonalcoholic guests are welcome at “open” A.A. meetings. Attendance at “closed” meetings is limited to those who are alcoholic or think they may have a drinking problem.

At meetings A.A. members share their recovery experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem, and give person-to-person services or “sponsorship” to the alcoholics coming to A.A.

The A.A. program, as set forth in the Twelve Steps to recovery, offers the alcoholic an opportunity to develop a satisfying way of life free from alcohol.

What A.A. Does NOT Do:

u     Make medical or psychiatric diagnoses or prognoses, or offer advice.

u     Provide drying-out or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, housing, jobs, money or other welfare services.

u     Accept any money for its services or contributions from outside sources.

u     Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.

u     Engage in or support education, research, or professional treatment.

 Our recovery is based on sharing our experience, strength and hope with each other, that we may solve our common problem; more importantly, our continued sobriety depends upon helping others to recover from alcoholism.