The danger signals are clear. Do you know someone who:

1.Says she drinks to calm her nerves.

2.Says she drinks because it is the only way she feels comfortable with her friends.

3.Says she drinks to relieve feelings of boredom, depression and loneliness.

4.Says she drinks because she can’t sleep.

5.Says she drinks because it helps her get her work done.

6.Says she can’t remember what she said or did while she drank.

7.Hides her alcohol.

8.Refuses to discuss her drinking.

9.Has been in unusual accidents such as falling down stairs while drinking.

If you know a woman who lives this desperate life, take action.

Internists, psychologists and other helping agencies screening for alcoholism frequently like to use the CAGE questionnaire, the name which is an acronym of its four questions. It is a widely used method of screening for alcoholism.

Two “yes” responses indicate the possibility of alcoholism.

The questionnaire asks the following questions:

Have you ever felt you needed  to Cut down on your drinking?

Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?

Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?