Is there a Drinking Problem?
Focus Healthcare of Tennessee
A Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
How do I know if there is a drinking problem?
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test)
The AUDIT is a brief self-report test that screens for both at-risk drinking (heavy drinking alone) and alcohol abuse and dependence (heavy drinking that interferes with life or causes significant distress). This is a screening test, and positive results suggest that assessment by a health professional is needed. The AUDIT does not make diagnoses. Higher scores indicate more severe problems and more urgency to seek help.
Please note: "Alcohol" includes beer, wine, liquor, or any other alcoholic beverage.
| Question | Response |
| 1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol? | (0) never (1) monthly (2) 2 to 4 times a month (3) 2 to 3 times a week (4) 4 or more times a week |
| 2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking? | (0) 1 to 2 (1) 3 or 4 (2) 5 or 6 (3) 7 to 9 (4) 10 or more |
| 3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion? | (0) Never (1) Less than monthly (2) Monthly (3) Weekly (4) Daily or almost daily |
| 4. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking? | (0) Never (1) Less than monthly (2) Monthly (3) Weekly (4) Daily or almost daily |
| 5. How often during the last year have you needed a drink first thing in the morning to get yourself going after a heaving drinking session? | (0) Never (1) Less than monthly (2) Monthly (3) Weekly (4) Daily or almost daily |
| 6. How often during the last year have you felt guilt or remorse after drinking? | (0) Never (1) Less than monthly (2) Monthly (3) Weekly (4) Daily or almost daily |
| 7. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of drinking? | (0) Never (1) Less than monthly (2) Monthly (3) Weekly (4) Daily or almost daily |
| 8. Have you or someone else been injured as the result of your drinking? | (0) No (1) Yes, but not in the last year (2) Yes, during the last year |
| 9. Has a friend, relative, doctor, or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down? | (0) No (1) Yes, but not in the last year (2) Yes, during the last year |
Your Score
- Using the numbers in paranthesis next to your response, total your score:
- 3 or less: A score of three or less indicates that your drinking is not exceeding the limits for healthy adults.
- 4 – 7: Scores between four and seven suggest that you should examine your drinking and its effects on your life, and that you may wish to quit or cut down on your drinking.
- 8 or higher: A score above eight is a positive test, indicating that unhealthy alcohol use is occurring. Higher scores indicate more serious problems.
- 16 or more: A score of sixteen or more strongly suggests that professional help should be sought.
Source: AUDIT was developed by the World Health Organization.