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The Skinner Trauma History (Self Test). Do You Have a Drinking Problem?
Those of us who have made a habit of drinking to excess often sport a few war wounds. We get drunk and we fall down, or fall off things, or run into things – and those of us who drink/drank as alcoholics tend to get sort of hurt with some frequency.
Amazingly, we mostly wake up the next morning after yet another fall or fight or what have you, little the worse for wear, but every once and a while we get hurt for real. Drunks are far more likely to have a broken bone, a head injury, or have gotten in some sort of brawl. So likely in fact, that clinicians can determine how likely it is that you have a drinking problem, just by looking at your history of trauma.
It's called the Skinner Trauma History, and it's a 5 question screening test used medically to see if someone might have an alcohol problem. It’s often used when direct questions about substance use behaviors aren't appropriate or useful.
A score of 2 or more yes answers indicates that the person has a "high likelihood" of having a history of excessive drinking or problem drinking. It does not indicate whether a person has a drinking problem at the time the questionnaire is given.
The Skinner Trauma History
Since you were 18, have you:
- Had any fractured or dislocated bones?
- Been in a traffic accident?
- Had a head injury?
- Been hurt in a fight, or been assaulted?
- Been hurt after drinking?
If you are wondering about your own drinking, taking this test may help you to see what effects alcohol may be having on your health. If you are wondering about the drinking habits of a loved one, this test may also help you to make a preliminary diagnosis of the problem.