The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a widely used screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify risky drinking patterns, harmful alcohol use, and potential alcohol dependence. If you’re looking for a way to assess your drinking habits at home, you might consider taking an Alcohol Dependency Self-Test.
The test consists of 10 questions that assess alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems. The AUDIT provides an effective, evidence-based way to evaluate a person’s risk level and determine whether further assessment or intervention may be helpful.
The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is a simple and effective method of screening for unhealthy alcohol use, defined as risky or hazardous consumption or any alcohol use disorder. It helps identify risky alcohol use and potential alcohol-related problems.
However, the screening does not replace a comprehensive medical or psychological evaluation, which is necessary to confirm a diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
1) How often do you drink anything containing alcohol?
- Never (0 points)
- Monthly or less (1 point)
- 2 to 4 times a month (2 points)
- 2 to 3 times a week (3 points)
- 4 or more times a week (4 points)
2) How many alcoholic drinks do you have on a typical day?
- 1 or 2 (0 points)
- 3 or 4 (1 point)
- 5 or 6 (2 points)
- 7 to 9 (3 points)
- 10 or more (4 points)
3) How often do you have five or more drinks on a given occasion?
- Never (0 points)
- Less than monthly (1 point)
- Monthly (2 points)
- Weekly (3 points)
- Daily or almost daily (4 points)
4) How often in the last year were you unable to stop drinking once you had started?
- Never (0 points)
- Less than monthly (1 point)
- Monthly (2 points)
- Weekly (3 points)
- Daily or almost daily (4 points)
5) How often in the last year has drinking prevented you from doing what was expected of you?
- Never (0 points)
- Less than monthly (1 point)
- Monthly (2 points)
- Weekly (3 points)
- Daily or almost daily (4 points)
6) How often during the last year have you needed a drink in the morning to get going after a night of heavy drinking?
- Never (0 points)
- Less than monthly (1 point)
- Monthly (2 points)
- Weekly (3 points)
- Daily or almost daily (4 points)
7) How often during the last year have you felt guilty or remorseful after drinking?
- Never (0 points)
- Less than monthly (1 point)
- Monthly (2 points)
- Weekly (3 points)
- Daily or almost daily (4 points)
8) How often during the last year have you forgotten what happened the night before because of drinking?
- Never (0 points)
- Less than monthly (1 point)
- Monthly (2 points)
- Weekly (3 points)
- Daily or almost daily (4 points)
9) Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
- No (0 points)
- Yes but not in the last year (2 points)
- Yes, during the last year (4 points)
10) Has a relative, friend, or health care worker been concerned about your drinking?
- No (0 points)
- Yes but not in the last year (2 points)
- Yes, during the last year (4 points)
Alcohol Dependency Self-Test. Interpretation
Total scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating a greater likelihood of hazardous and harmful drinking. Scoring is computed by adding scores (0–4) on questions 1 to 8, and questions 9 and 10 are scored 0, 2, or 4 points
Low Risk (0-7 points)
You probably do not have a problem with alcohol. Continue drinking in moderation or not at all.
Medium Risk (8-15 points)
You may drink too much on occasion. Such consumption may put you or others at risk. Try to cut down on alcohol or stop drinking completely.
High Risk (16-19 points)
Your drinking could lead to harm, if it hasn’t already. You must cut down on alcohol or stop drinking completely. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on how to best cut down.
Addiction Likely (20+ points)
It is likely that your drinking is causing harm. Speak to your doctor or nurse, or an addiction specialist. Ask about medications and counseling that can help you stop drinking. If you are dependent on alcohol, do not stop drinking without the help of a healthcare professional, including rehabilitation treatment.
