Am I an Alcoholic?

The signs of alcoholism centre on control rather than quantity: drinking more or for longer than intended, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down, strong urges to drink, needing more alcohol for the same effect, feeling uneasy or physically unwell when not drinking, drinking to manage emotions, secrecy or defensiveness, and continuing despite clear consequences at work, at home or to health. No single sign is decisive — the pattern and its persistence are what matter.

It describes someone who meets the criteria for alcohol dependence while continuing to perform well at work and appear entirely in control. It is not a formal diagnosis, and it is also called functional alcoholism. Because the outward performance holds, recognition is often delayed for years — both by the individual and by everyone around them. Continuing to function is not evidence that dependence is absent.

The distinction is less about quantity and more about pattern and control. Heavy drinking shades into dependence when alcohol begins to organise your life: when you drink to manage how you feel, when stopping is harder than expected or produces physical symptoms, when you consistently drink more than you intended. If any of that resonates, it is worth speaking to a professional. The label matters far less than getting the right support.

CAGE is a brief four-question alcohol screening tool used widely in clinical settings, covering attempts to Cut down, Annoyance at being asked about drinking, Guilt about drinking, and Eye-opener drinking in the morning. It is designed for rapid screening rather than assessment. The self-assessment on this page is broader: it also reflects on tolerance, emotional reasons for drinking, secrecy, and the impact on work and relationships. Neither is a diagnosis, and both are best followed by a conversation with a professional.

Guideline limits are a useful reference point, but they do not capture the more important question. Two people drinking identical amounts can be in entirely different positions depending on why they drink, whether they can stop when they intend to, and what happens on the days they do not. If you find yourself calculating, justifying or concealing, the amount has become less relevant than the relationship.

For some people reducing gradually is manageable. For anyone who drinks heavily every day, or has done so for a long period, stopping suddenly can be medically dangerous and should always be assessed by a doctor first. At Oasis, medical services including any detoxification are arranged through independent licensed professionals, and decisions about medication rest with them. If you are unsure, speak to a doctor before making significant changes to your drinking.

This alcohol self-assessment is a reflective tool, not a clinical diagnosis. It is designed to help you explore your relationship with alcohol and consider whether professional support may be helpful. For an accurate clinical assessment we recommend speaking with a qualified specialist.

Your answers are not stored on our servers and are never shared with any third party. No account or personal information is required to complete this alcohol test or to see your result on screen. If you choose to have your result emailed to you, we use that email address only to send it to you.

A high score suggests your relationship with alcohol may benefit from professional support. Speaking to a specialist — confidentially and without obligation — is a meaningful first step, and our admissions team is available on +44 737 938 8256 at no cost and no commitment. If you drink heavily every day, please speak to a doctor before stopping abruptly.

You can read the questions to help you reflect on what you have noticed in someone close to you, but the result should not be treated as an assessment of another person — the statements are written to be answered from your own experience. If you are concerned about a partner, family member or colleague, our admissions team can advise on how to approach the conversation.