Am I a High-functioning Problem Drinker?

This quiz is designed to help you recognize whether your relationship with alcohol is affecting your life in ways that may not always be obvious. Reflect on how alcohol impacts your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health, and answer honestly to gain insight.

1. Do you find yourself drinking even when you're functioning well in your daily life (work, family, social commitments)?

- A. No, I only drink occasionally  

- B. Yes, but it doesn’t seem to affect me much  

- C. Yes, and it helps me unwind or manage my stress

2. After a night of drinking, do you ever feel emotionally off for a few days (e.g., anxiety, irritability, sadness)?

- A. Rarely or never  

- B. Sometimes I feel anxious or low the next day  

- C. Often, I feel emotionally drained or anxious (aka "hanxiety") for several days

3. Physically, how do you feel after drinking?**  

- A. I feel fine, no major difference  

- B. A bit tired or sluggish for a day  

- C. Drained and physically exhausted for two or more days

4. Do you notice changes in your mental health after drinking? (e.g., increased stress, low mood, or mental fog)**  

- A. No, I don’t notice any changes  

- B. Sometimes I feel mentally foggy or irritable  

- C. Yes, I often feel mentally drained, stressed, or anxious after drinking

5.Have you ever experienced guilt, shame, or self-doubt about how alcohol might be affecting your overall health (emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual)?**  

- A. No, I don’t feel that way  

- B. Occasionally, but I try not to dwell on it  

- C. Yes, I often feel conflicted or worried about the impact

6. Do you use alcohol as a way to boost your mood, feel more social, or avoid difficult emotions?

- A. Rarely or never  

- B. Occasionally, in stressful situations  

- C. Often, as a way to cope or feel better in social settings

7. After drinking, do you ever feel disconnected from yourself or your spiritual beliefs/practices (e.g., lacking purpose, self-worth, or motivation)?**  

- A. No, drinking doesn’t affect my spiritual well-being  

- B. Sometimes, I feel less connected to my sense of self  

- C. Yes, I often feel a disconnect from my values or sense of purpose after drinking

8. Do you drink even when you know it might negatively affect your emotional or mental health the next day?

- A. No, I can easily avoid drinking when I need to  

- B. Sometimes, but I try to keep it in moderation  

- C. Yes, I often drink knowing I’ll feel low or anxious the next day

9. Do you find it harder to relax or have fun without alcohol?**  

- A. No, I enjoy myself just fine without it  

- B. Occasionally, I prefer a drink to loosen up  

- C. Yes, I rely on alcohol to relax or socialize comfortably

10. How do you feel when you're not drinking for a while? (e.g., more balanced, at ease, or struggling?)**  

- A. I feel balanced and good without drinking  

- B. Sometimes I feel bored or restless without alcohol  

- C. I often feel on edge, anxious, or like something is missing without alcohol

Your Results:

- **Mostly A's:**  

You appear to maintain a healthy balance with alcohol, and it doesn’t seem to interfere significantly with your emotional, physical, mental, or spiritual well-being. However, staying mindful of how you feel after drinking is always a good idea.

- **Mostly B's:**  

Your relationship with alcohol may have some red flags, especially in how it impacts your mood, energy, or mental clarity. These subtle signs might indicate the beginnings of a problematic relationship with alcohol, and it could be helpful to reflect on whether it’s supporting your overall well-being.

- **Mostly C's:**  

You may be experiencing the high-functioning signs of problem drinking, where alcohol is affecting you emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually, even if you’re managing day-to-day tasks. It might be time to reconsider your relationship with alcohol and explore ways to feel more balanced without relying on it. **Hello New Beginnings** offers compassionate support without stigma.

Disclaimer 

I am not a medical professional or a doctor and can’t treat or diagnose.