The NHS has outlined a list of nine essential questions designed to help individuals evaluate whether their drinking habits may be concerning. For many, enjoying an occasional drink is typical, but understanding when casual drinking crosses into dependency or excess can be challenging. To provide some clarity, the NHS created this questionnaire to guide people in assessing their relationship with alcohol and take appropriate action if needed.
The questionnaire includes nine specific questions aimed at reflecting on drinking behaviors over the past year. Here are the questions:
How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?
How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?
How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?
How often during the last year have you needed a drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of your drinking?
Has a relative, friend, doctor, or other healthcare worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
Each question comes with multiple-choice responses, and each answer corresponds to a score. At the end of the questionnaire, you add up the scores to find your total. If you score over eight, the NHS recommends scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss your drinking habits further. This self-assessment tool aims to identify early signs of risky drinking and encourage those affected to seek support.
