If you are worried that you drink too much or may have a problem with alcohol, the AUDIT screening tool can help. It is meant to help you determine if you have patterns of excessive alcohol consumption. It can help identify alcohol dependence and some of the specific consequences and risks of problem drinking.
Almost 30 million people in the United States had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2020.[1] If you struggle with alcohol use, you are not alone.
What Is AUDIT?
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, or AUDIT, was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a tool to screen for excessive and hazardous drinking patterns.[2] It can be used in screening and brief intervention (SBI) by a clinician.
AUDIT can serve as a framework for intervention, encouraging people with alcohol use disorders to identify risky drinking behaviors and then seek treatment services.
Purpose of AUDIT
AUDIT is meant to help people self-diagnose issues with excessive or risky drinking. Primary care and health care professionals can use it as a screening tool during an office visit, or a patient can also ask themselves the questions at home. AUDIT can be a helpful tool for either clinicians or individuals to help assess if a person has drinking behavior that might be a problem.
Take the Test
To take the self-report Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, ask yourself the following 10 questions and put an X in the box that describes your answer:[3]
Results of AUDIT & What They Mean
Tally your total score based on the 0–4 range for each of the 10 questions. If you score an 8 or higher, you could have hazardous or risky alcohol use. The higher your score, the more significant the issues and the more likely you are to have alcohol dependence and/or an alcohol use disorder.
It is important to understand that AUDIT bases an alcoholic drink in terms of a “standard drink” as defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).[4] These are the guidelines:
- One 12-ounce beer with around 5% alcohol content
- 8–9 ounces of malt liquor at 7% alcohol content
- One 5-ounce glass of wine at 12% alcohol content
- One shot, or 1.5 ounces, of distilled spirits at around 40% alcohol content
When to Seek Help for AUD
If you score an 8 or higher on AUDIT, it can be time to seek professional help. If you are experiencing negative consequences related to drinking and are unable to stop drinking even when you try to, this is a sign of compulsive alcohol use and possible alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If you have been drinking significantly for a long period of time, don’t suddenly stop drinking without professional help. Medical detox using medications and supportive professional care are essential to safely withdraw from alcohol.
Where to Find Help for Alcohol Misuse
Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary greatly based on your specific needs. There are a variety of options available, ranging from inpatient care to outpatient services.
Your primary care provider can often refer you to treatment programs that are appropriate for your situation. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also provides a tool to help you find treatment services near you.[5] Do your research to ensure you find the best treatment program for your needs.
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