A Message to Young People... How to tell when drinking is becoming a problem
ALCOHOLISMAlcoholism is a rough word to deal with. Yet nobody is too young (or too old) to have trouble with booze. That's because alcoholism is an illness. It can hit anyone. Young, old. Rich, poor. Black, white. And it doesn't matter how long you've been drinking or what you've been drinking. It's what drinking does to you that counts. To help you decide whether you might have a problem with your own drinking, we've prepared these 12 questions. The answers are nobody's business but your own. If you can answer yes to any one of these questions, maybe it's time you took a serious look at what your drinking might be doing to you. And, if you do need help or if you'd just like to talk to someone about your drinking, call us. We're in the phone book under Alcoholics Anonymous. If there is no AA service close to you write or phone the General Service Office for Great Britain. A Simple 12-Question Quiz designed To Help You Decide
Do you drink because you have problems? To face up to stressful situations?
Do you drink when you get mad at other people, your friends or parents?
Do you often prefer to drink alone, rather than with others?
Are you starting to get low marks? Are you skiving off work?
Do you ever try to stop or drink less - and fail?
Have you begun to drink in the morning, before school or work?
Do you gulp your drinks as if to satisfy a great thirst?
Do you ever have loss of memory due to your drinking?
Do you avoid being honest with others about your drinking?
Do you ever get into trouble when you are drinking?
Do you often get drunk when you drink, even when you do not mean to?
Do you think you're big to be able to hold your drink?
Alcoholics Anonymous ® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. • The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. • A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. • Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
When I was in treatment almost 5 years ago, I met so many young people there and still do.
My message to you is BE VERY PROUD of yourself. You have come to AA early unlike some of us who spend years drinking and have miserable lives.
You have a chance to get your life back NOW - not 20, 30, 40 years from now. Many of us, if not all, wish we had the courage and brains back then to admit we had a problem.
You are in the RIGHT place. Stay here. Keep coming back - One day at a time. 20, 30, 40 years from now - you will be so GLAD you STAYED. You found us & AA early for a reason !!!!
God Bless you all. You have NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF !!!!
