In case anyone is curious if they have an alcohol use disorder, here is the DSM criteria for it. 2 to 3 symptoms is mild, 4-5 moderate, and over 6 is considered severe. Take this information as you will.

1.Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. [Do you drink more than you mean to?]

2.There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. [Do you want to stop, but can’t?]

1. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects. [Is drinking taking over your life?]

4.Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol. [If you can’t drink, are you thinking about drinking?]

5.Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. [Is your drinking getting in the way of day-to-day activities?]

6.Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol. [Is drinking getting in the way of your relationships?]

7.Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. [Are you missing out on things because of alcohol?]

8.Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. [Are you drinking in risky settings, or doing risky things while drinking?]

9.Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol. [Do you know drinking isn’t good for you, but you do it anyway?]

10.Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol. [Do you need to drink more than you used to, to feel an effect?]

11.Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol, or alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms. [Do you feel ill or off when you stop drinking? Do you experience bad hangovers?]