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Are you or a loved one facing a problem with alcohol?

You are not alone. Problem drinking affects persons from all different backgrounds, regardless of religion, race, education or income. Almost 20% of Iowans have admitted to binge drinking in the last month. Getting help is one of the best things for your relationships, work or school and all other aspects of your life. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs of problem alcohol use.

If you think you or a loved one may have a problem with alcohol use, reach out to Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support. We will listen, provide information, connect you to an experienced counselor or simply be a shoulder to lean on.

Warning Signs

  • Memory loss or blackouts from drinking
  • Accidents or injuries while drinking
  • Drinking even though there are physical conditions that can be worsened by drinking
  • Alcohol use interferes with work, school or other activities

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Alcohol Use Screening

Alcohol use can affect a person’s health and interfere with certain medications and treatments. It is important to ask questions about alcohol use. Select the response that best describes your answer to each question. For the purposes of the quiz, a standard drink is half an ounce of pure alcohol (12 oz beer @ 5% alcohol = 1 drink; 5 oz table wine @ 12% alcohol = 1 drink; 1.5 oz of 80 proof spirits (40% alcohol) = 1 drink). Your answers are confidential.

How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

Alcohol 1

How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

Alcohol 2

How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

Alcohol 3

How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?

Alcohol 4

How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of drinking?

Alcohol 5

How often during the last year have you needed an alcoholic drink first thing in the morning to get yourself going after a night of heavy drinking?

Alcohol 6

How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

Alcohol 7

How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?

Alcohol 8

Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?

Alcohol 9

Has a relative, friend, doctor, or another health professional expressed concern about your drinking or suggested you cut down?

Alcohol 10

Confirmation

0
Score Risk
0
This score indicates little to no risk for alcohol related problems.
1-7
A score in this range indicates low risk for problems related to alcohol use.
8-14
A score in this range indicates use of alcohol that is considered hazardous or harmful to health.
15+
A score in this range indicates use of alcohol that is typically associated with a moderate to severe alcohol use disorder.
Do you wish to send your results to yourself?
Do you wish to send your results to a substance use disorder specialist?

Provide Us Your Info

You have taken an important step by filling out this confidential form. By checking the box below you acknowledge the YLI Privacy Policy and agree to have a Your Life Iowa counselor contact you.

Information about alcohol

How the brain and body are impacted by alcohol depends on the amount and frequency of the
use.

Learn More

Learn more about alcohol and how to support your health and wellness

"

I called worried about my son. The counselor listened to my story and helped me create a safe plan to address my concerns. Thank you for your service!”

- YOUR LIFE IOWA CALLER

Support for family and friends.

With Your Life Iowa, you and your loved ones are never alone. Whether you want more information about how to help someone, would like to connect to a treatment professional or just want to talk to someone who cares, we’re here for you.

Family and friends

Want to find help on your own?

Your Life Iowa is always here to help you find resources near you. However, we understand that sometimes you’d like to look for help on your own. Our map will let you do just that.

Find a local provider

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Fill out a simple contact form and a professional will reach out to you.

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Additional Resources on Alcohol