The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was developed by the World Health Organization to help identify risky alcohol use behaviors and potential dependence and addiction. The AUDIT can help inform the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and prompt further investigation or treatment of alcohol use issues.
- The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a screening tool used to help identify dangerous alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders.
- AUDIT can help clinicians recognize individuals who require intervention and support with alcohol consumption.
- AUDIT is very accurate and easy to administer, although it is important that the individual clearly understands each question and how to answer.
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Understanding the AUDIT screening tool for alcohol use
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a screening tool used to help identify unhealthy or risky alcohol use behaviors. The test consists of 10 questions that ask about the amount of alcohol consumption, signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence, and alcohol-related harm. [1]
The AUDIT was published in 1989 and was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) utilizing information gathered in international surveys and investigations commencing in 1982. This makes it the only internationally usable screening test and it is available in around 40 languages. [1][2]
The AUDIT has become the most widely used alcohol use screening tool and can be administered in a range of clinical settings or self-administered without professional help. It can help identify risky alcohol use behaviors and inform appropriate treatment and intervention. [2]
How to administer the AUDIT tool
The AUDIT can be used in a range of settings, including primary care, emergency departments, hospitals, inpatient settings, workplace settings, prisons, or psychiatric facilities. It is simple and quick to administer and so can be used by any professional when assessing an individual for physical or mental health needs. [1]
People can also answer the AUDIT questions at home without professional assistance and easily interpret their results to help identify and manage alcohol use issues.
Benefits and limitations of the AUDIT tool
The AUDIT is the only screening tool that has been developed using data from several countries and is, therefore, able to be applied to people from various cultural and social backgrounds. [1]
AUDIT is quick to administer and score and is simple for clinicians and individuals to understand. However, it is important that the individual clearly understands each question and the scoring element for each answer. People should also be given a clear understanding of a ‘standard drink’.
Benefits of the self-report AUDIT include speed and ease of answering, particularly interactive self-tests that provide instant scores. However, when answering the self-test, people may misunderstand a question or be unable to seek clarification on certain aspects. Additionally, clinician-administered AUDIT screening allows for instant feedback and advice. [1]
AUDIT vs. Other alcohol screening tools
The AUDIT has been found to perform as well or better in identifying alcohol use disorders when compared to other screening tools, including CAGE and MAST. Other tests, such as CAGE, which include a smaller number of questions, might be faster to administer, although they may provide less detailed information about alcohol use behaviors. [3][4]
Take the AUDIT self-test: Understand your alcohol use patterns
People at home can take an interactive self-test that provides an instant assessment.
The AUDIT questions should be answered about alcohol use within the past 12 months. Each question is scored 0-4, which is then added together at the end for the total score.
*NOTE* The questions refer to a standard drink, such as one glass of wine or one small can of beer. For additional reference on the number of standard drinks within different beverages, people can check this information provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
| Questions | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol? | Never | Monthly or less | 2-4 times a month | 2-3 times a week | 4+ times a week | |
| 2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking? | 1 or 2 | 3 or 4 | 5 or 6 | 7 to 9 | 10 or more | |
| 3. How often do you have six or more standard drinks on one occasion? | Never | Less than monthly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily or almost daily | |
| 4. How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started? | Never | Less than monthly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily or almost daily | |
| 5. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking? | Never | Less than monthly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily or almost daily | |
| 6. How often during the last year have you needed a drink first thing in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session? | Never | Less than monthly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily or almost daily | |
| 7. How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking? | Never | Less than monthly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily or almost daily | |
| 8. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of your drinking? | Never | Less than monthly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily or almost daily | |
| 9. Have you or someone else been injured because of your drinking? | No | Yes, but not in the last year | Yes, during the last year | |||
| 10. Has a relative, friend, doctor, or other healthcare worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down? | No | Yes, but not in the last year | Yes, during the last year |
Scoring and interpretation
Each question is scored 0-4, with questions 9 and 10 only allowing possible responses of 0, 2, or 4. The total score can be between 0 and 40. Someone who scores:
- 0: Has likely never drunk or has no issues with alcohol
- 1 - 7: Indicate low risk alcohol consumption
- 8 - 14: Indicate dangerous alcohol consumption
- 15 or more: Indicate likely alcohol dependence and moderate to severe alcohol use disorder
As such, any score of 8 or more suggests hazardous alcohol use and high risks of alcohol-related problems. Higher scores, such as 20 and above, suggest severe alcohol consumption and these individuals should be further assessed for alcohol dependence and treatment needs. [1]
What to do after the AUDIT screening result
People who score 1-7 may not require professional intervention. However, it may be advisable to consult with a professional about alcohol education, safer drinking behaviors, and ways to manage consumption.
People with higher scores may benefit from further assessment and intervention. Those who have answered the test at home should consult with a healthcare provider about specialist services and treatment options to reduce and manage alcohol use.
If a professional has administered the AUDIT in a clinical setting and the individual has scored highly, they will likely refer to appropriate services and offer advice about available treatment options. This may include implementing detoxification or rehabilitation services. [1]
Treatment options for alcohol dependence
People who score above 8 on the AUDIT may benefit from professional treatment for alcohol use. This can include:
