16 tips for reducing your alcohol consumption

Answer the following questions - in the past year, have you...

1. Had times when you ended up drinking more or longer than you intended?

2. More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?

3. Spent a lot of time drinking or being sick or getting over the aftereffects?

4. Wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?

Answer the following questions - in the past year, have you...

5. Found that drinking or being sick from drinking often interfered with taking care of your home and family or caused job or school problems?

6. Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?

7. Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you or gave you pleasure in order to drink?

Answer the following questions - in the past year, have you...

8. More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt, such as driving or having unsafe sex?

9. Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious, or you had a memory blackout?

Answer the following questions - in the past year, have you...

10. Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?

11. Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea or sweating? Or sensed things that were not there?

If you answered ‘yes' to 2 to 3 questions, your symptoms align with mild AUD.

If you answered ‘yes' to 4 to 5 questions, your symptoms align with moderate AUD.

If you answered ‘yes' to 6 or more questions, your symptoms align with severe AUD. Consult with a licensed mental health professional to further explore AUD.