Do You Have a Drinking Problem?
These questions are intended to help someone think about whether drinking may be causing concern. Alcoholics Anonymous does not diagnose anyone or decide who is an alcoholic.
The CAGE Questionnaire
The CAGE questionnaire is a short, widely used screening tool designed to help individuals identify possible problems with alcohol use. Originally introduced by Dr. John A. Ewing, it is commonly used in clinical settings and is recognized by institutions such as Johns Hopkins University Hospital.
Please answer each question honestly with a yes or no.
- C — Cut down: Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- A — Annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- G — Guilty: Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- E — Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or relieve a hangover?
A “yes” response does not provide a diagnosis. It may be useful to discuss concerns with a qualified healthcare professional or another trusted source of support.
Source: Johns Hopkins University Hospital
Are You an Alcoholic? A.A.'s Two Questions
The book Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book) says that alcoholics are men and women who have lost the ability to control their drinking. A.A. does not pronounce anyone as being an alcoholic. The following passage from page 44 of the Big Book states: "In the preceding chapters you have learned something of alcoholism. We hope we have made clear the distinction between the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic. If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer."
First edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in April 1939. This is our basic text, which explains the nature of alcoholism and A.A.'s program of recovery—the Twelve Steps.
A.A.'s Perspective
Alcoholics Anonymous does not label people. Each person decides whether the A.A. program may be helpful for them. Anyone who wants to stop drinking is welcome at an open A.A. meeting.
For immediate support, visit our 24/7 online A.A. meeting or review our recovery resources. If you're ready to take a first step, see New to A.A.? Start Here and What to Expect When You Join.