DEAR ABBY: The "Are You an Alcoholic?" test you printed listing 12 questions was good as far as it went -- but it didn't go far enough. I'm sure that anyone who was raised by, or married to, or has a friend who is an alcoholic cringed when they read it.
Where were these questions: When you take one or two drinks, can you stop and walk away? Have you ever embarrassed yourself or someone else when drinking? Do you drink every day? How many times in the last month have you awakened with a hangover? Do you spend money you don't have on alcohol? Has this affected your sleeping habits? (Do you pass out, get a drink in the middle of the night, or wet the bed when you sleep because of alcohol?)
There are many "working" alcoholics and many who don't work -- mostly women -- because they are financially able not to. I know, because between parents, a husband and a good friend, I have experienced it all.
Please rethink your test and add these questions. -- BEEN THERE IN SAN DIEGO
DEAR BEEN THERE: I'll do that. And thank you for the valuable input.