Online test: Alcohol

Introduction

In the past, it was relatively easy for professional soldier Marko Z. Alcohol was served at parties, family celebrations and sometimes even at dinner. Sometimes more, sometimes less, rarely to the point of intoxication. He had always been able to handle alcohol quite well. This earned him recognition among his comrades: „He can really hold his drink.“ When everyone else was already drunk, Marco could still manage a few more rounds.

At that time, he wasn't drinking every day, but during the countless courses and training sessions, there was always drinking during the week. At some point, he had his first assignment abroad, his family grew, then more assignments followed, twins arrived unexpectedly, the new house had to be paid off, and his responsibilities grew.

After being transferred to a new unit as an S3, which involved commuting at weekends and recurring dark memories of his missions, he began to feel extremely stressed. Marco quickly realised that unpleasant situations, pressure and problems were easier to cope with when he drank alcohol.

At first, he used drinking to relax after work and to „wind down“, then to help him sleep better, and finally, to be able to function at all. The problems with drinking did not arise overnight, but developed gradually. When asked about it, he dismissed it, because he did not feel that he could not stop. After all, he could go a week without alcohol, and his excuses to others and himself became increasingly sophisticated. He took refuge in fantasy and lies for fear of being looked down upon by others because of his behaviour. Many in the unit knew about his problems, but apart from a few attempts that were easily defused, the façade held up for a long time.

At some point, he lost his driving licence, his children's trust and his self-respect. His mental, physical and work-related problems piled up, leading to serious misjudgements, and his family was also on the verge of breaking up.

The following is a list of behaviours, problems and complaints that may arise in connection with alcohol abuse. Please do not think about which answer might make the „best impression“; simply answer according to what applies to you personally.