Addiction

Psychologists Sydney / Addiction / Do I drink too much? – Online Self Test

Wondering if you’re drinking too much, or just having a few extra now and then? Take our online alcohol use test and find out.

Alcohol Test - Do I drink too much?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?”

1

How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

Never

Monthly or less

2–4 times a month

2–3 times a week
2

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

No

Yes, but not in the last year

Yes, during the last year
3

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

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly
4

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

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly
5

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

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly
6

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

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly
7

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

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly
8

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

Never

Less than monthly

Monthly

Weekly
9

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

1 or 2

3 or 4

5 or 6

7, 8, or 9
10

Has a relative, friend, doctor, or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?

No

Yes, but not in the last year

Yes, during the last year

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Am I just having a few extra drinks, or am I drinking too much?

Everyone goes through phases where they might drink more than usual, but how can you tell if it’s just a rough patch or a sign of a deeper issue?

This drinking self-test is a helpful tool to give you more insight into whether your alcohol use may be becoming a problem. It can’t provide a diagnosis, but it can indicate the likelihood that you may be drinking too much.

Am I drinking too much?

In Australia, “drinking too much” usually means regularly exceeding the National Health and Medical Research Council guideline of no more than ten standard drinks a week and no more than four on any one day. If alcohol is affecting your sleep, mood, relationships, or work, book a medical review.
Can I diagnose myself with an alcohol disorder?

No. Diagnosis involves a structured interview carried out by a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can identify whether you meet criteria for hazardous use, harmful use, or alcohol use disorder. Self-assessment often overlooks medical complications such as liver disease or underlying mental health conditions.
What counts as risky drinking in simple words?

If your drinking regularly causes hangovers, regretful behaviour, trouble at work, family conflict, or you need more alcohol to feel the same effect, it is considered risky. Quantity matters, but so do the consequences.
Can a blood test indicate heavy drinking?

Certain markers, such as gamma-GT, ALT, and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, can suggest sustained heavy drinking, but none are perfect. Doctors use blood tests alongside a clinical assessment to spot alcohol-related harm rather than to diagnose an alcohol use disorder on their own.
Does heavy drinking look the same in everyone?

No. Some people binge on weekends then abstain during the week, others drink moderately every night, and some experience loss of control once they start. Cultural background, gender, metabolism, and tolerance shape how harmful drinking appears.
Which age group is most at risk of harmful drinking?

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data show the highest rates of single-occasion risky drinking in people aged 18 to 24. However, long-term heavy drinking that damages health is more common in middle-aged men.
What causes problem drinking?

There is no single cause. Genetics, brain chemistry, learned coping styles, social environment, and life stress all play parts. Alcohol temporarily reduces anxiety and stress, which can reinforce use. Over time tolerance develops, leading to higher consumption and physical dependence.
What is the most severe form of alcohol use disorder?

Severe alcohol use disorder involves daily consumption, cravings, withdrawal symptoms such as tremors or nausea when alcohol is not available, and significant impairment in social or occupational functioning. Medical detoxification may be required to stop safely.
What factors increase the risk of drinking too much?
- Family history of alcohol misuse
- Early exposure to drinking culture
- High stress or job pressure
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
- Social isolation or loneliness
- The ready availability and affordability of alcohol
- Trauma or adverse childhood experiences
- Peer norms that encourage heavy drinking
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How much do I drink?

Our short online alcohol self-test estimates weekly intake in standard drinks and compares it with Australian guidelines. Scores in the moderate or high-risk range suggest consulting a counselor. The test is private, takes under five minutes, and serves as a stepping stone to professional help rather than a definitive verdict.