Is AA for You? Alcohol Self‑Assessment Quiz

Many people wonder quietly, “Do I have a drinking problem?” or “Is AA for me?” This simple 12‑question self‑assessment, adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, can help you reflect on your relationship with alcohol.

Your answers are private and anonymous. This is not a diagnosis or medical advice, but a gentle starting point to see whether AA meetings might be helpful for you. If your results worry you, you are warmly invited to try a Newcomers Keep Coming (NKC) online AA meeting and listen to others share their experience.

Alcohol Self-Assessment (12 Questions)

If you’ve been searching “Do I have a drinking problem?” or “Am I an alcoholic?”, you’re not alone. This self-assessment is a private way to reflect on how alcohol may be affecting your life. It’s not a diagnosis or medical advice — it’s a starting point.

The 12 self-assessment questions

Answer honestly. If you relate to several of these, it may be worth trying an online AA meeting and seeing if you identify with what you hear.

Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking - stop telling you what to do?
Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
Have you had to have a drink upon awakening during the past year?
Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Do you ever try to get "extra" drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?
Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
Do you have "blackouts"? - times you cannot remember what happened while you were drinking?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

What should I do after the quiz?

If your answers concern you, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A simple next step is to join a meeting and just listen. No pressure to share. Next steps:

Meeting Schedule (Join NKC): https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule
Newcomer Support: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/newcomer
Find a Sponsor: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/sponsor
AA Daily Reflections (today): https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/aa-daily-reflections

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Contact Us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Is this self‑assessment anonymous?

Yes. NKC does not collect or store your answers. The questions and scoring run in your browser only, so you can complete the quiz privately and in your own time.

Is this a medical or professional diagnosis?

No. This self‑assessment is not medical advice or a formal diagnosis. It is simply a reflection tool, adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous material, to help you think about your drinking.

Do I have to share my results with anyone?

No. Your results are for you alone. You can choose whether or not to talk about them with a sponsor, a friend in recovery, a healthcare professional, or at an AA meeting.

What does it mean if I answer “Yes” to several questions?

Many AA members report that answering “Yes” to several of these questions was an early sign that alcohol was causing problems in their lives. Only you can decide what your results mean, but it may be a signal to look more closely at your drinking.

Do I have to be sure I’m an alcoholic before I try AA?

No. Many people come to AA because they are unsure and want to find out. You do not need any label or diagnosis to attend. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.

What happens if I decide to try an NKC online meeting?

You can join by Zoom from almost anywhere. You are free just to listen; you do not have to turn on your camera or share if you don’t want to. Meetings are free, and there is no registration or obligation. Find NKC's meeting schedule here AA Meeting Schedule - Newcomers Keep Coming (NKC) Daily Zoom

Will anyone judge me for how I answer these questions or what I share?

AA is built on anonymity, respect, and shared experience. People in meetings are there because they have struggled with alcohol themselves. The aim is mutual support, not judgment or advice‑giving.

Can I bring a friend or family member to an online meeting?

Many groups welcome observers or family members at open AA meetings. If you are unsure, you can check the meeting description on the schedule or ask at the beginning of the meeting. We are an open meeting at NKC, so you can invite others to accompany you and observe.

What if I’m not ready to stop drinking yet?

You are still welcome. Some people attend AA while they are unsure or not ready to stop. Listening to others’ experiences can help you decide, in your own time, whether AA and sobriety might be right for you.