3. May Be Alcohol Dependent

Indicators

three or four positive responses to the CAGE that have occurred in the past year
evidence of one or more of the following symptoms:

- Compulsion to drink--preoccupation with drinking
- Impaired control--unable to stop drinking once started
- Relief drinking--drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Withdrawal--evidence of tremor, nausea, sweats, or mood disturbance
- Increased tolerance--takes more alcohol than before to get "high"

Assessment procedures

Ask the following questions:

Are there times when you are unable to stop drinking once you have started?
Does it take more drinks than before to get "high"?
Do you feel a strong urge to drink?
Do you change your plans so that you can have a drink?
Do you ever drink in the morning to relieve the shakes?

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