Also known as an initial screening or evaluation, the alcohol and drug assessment process leads to an accurate diagnosis along with recommendations designed to help individuals make informed decisions about the next step. Recommendations may include addiction treatment, if warranted, or referrals to physical and mental health practitioners, family counselors, or other helping professionals.

Some people wonder about their use of alcohol or other drugs but are not convinced there's a problem.

Others secretly worry but minimize the impact of their use by blaming other people or circumstances.

Still others realize there's a problem. Perhaps they've been told by family members or an employer that they may "need some help." But they aren't sure how serious it might be or what help is available.

Without a professional assessment, the struggle for an answer is often an exhausting search that offers no resolution. Here are some tools that may help you.

               ► Complete the Self-Assessments below

               ► Then call and talk with a Step-Up Recovery counselor

                                        714-771-4522

We do not assume a diagnosis of alcoholism, but we do help you look at the facts and decide on a course of action.

                                  Thanks to the Hazeldon center for this succinct summary
                                                               of the alcoholism treatment dilemma.

Below are two Alcoholism Self-Assessment Tests -- a brief test known as CAGE and a more detailed study.

The most widely used test in clinical practice, CAGE includes four questions and takes only a few minutes.

       1. Have you ever felt you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?      
       2. Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
       3. Have you ever felt GUILTY about your drinking?
       4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning as an EYE OPENER
           to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

If you answered "Yes" to at least two of the above questions, you are at risk of having a problem with alcohol. There are other diagnostic tools available to help you further assess a problem with alcohol or drugs.

ALCOHOLISM SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. Is most of your drinking done in private or when you are alone?                                              ____YES      ____ NO

2. Is there a specific time each day that you crave an alcoholic drink?                                        ____YES      ____ NO

3. Do you need a drink first thing in the morning in order to function?                                          ____YES      ____ NO

4. Do you drink in order to forget about your troubles and worries?                                              ____YES      ____ NO

5. Do you have trouble sleeping because of your drinking?                                                         ____YES      ____ NO

6. Since you have begun drinking, have you found your ambition has decreased?                         ____YES      ____ NO

7. Is life at home unhappy because of your drinking?                                                                 ____YES      ____ NO

8. Are you careless of the welfare of your family when you are under the influence of alcohol          ____YES      ____ NO

9. Has your drinking caused financial problems for you and/or your family?                                  ____YES      ____ NO

10. Do you feel remorseful after you drink?                                                                                                     ____YES      ____ NO

11. Have you ever had a loss of memory as a result of drinking?                                                 ____YES      ____ NO

12. Do you feel as though you need to drink in order to build your self-confidence?                       ____YES      ____ NO

13. When with others, do you tend to drink because you are anxious?                                        ____YES      ____ NO

14. When drinking, do you find yourself hanging out with people who are not a good influence?    ____YES      ____ NO

15. Has your reputation been directly affected by your drinking?                                                 ____YES      ____ NO

16. Are you calling in sick or missing work as a result of your drinking?                                      ____YES      ____ NO

17. Has your job or participation in your workplace been negatively affected by your drinking          ____YES      ____ NO

18. Have you become less efficient since you started drinking?                                                  ____YES      ____ NO

19. Has your drinking ever resulted in the need for you to be hospitalized or institutionalized?       ____YES      ____ NO

20. Have you sought treatment from a physician or professional because of your drinking?           ____YES      ____ NO

How are the results scored?
According to the Office of Health Care Programs, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, developers of this screening quiz, answering as few as THREE of these questions with a "YES" is a definite sign that your drinking patterns are harmful and considered alcohol-dependent or alcoholic. While no written test can determine better than you and a qualified professional if your drinking is out of your control, you may want to contact Step-Up Recovery to receive a more detailed assessment with no cost or obligation.