Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

Purpose and Use

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a 10-item screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems. Its primary purpose is to help identify individuals with hazardous or harmful patterns of alcohol consumption, as well as those with potential alcohol dependence. A 'standard drink' is defined as containing approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol (e.g., 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits).

Scoring and Interpretation

The AUDIT questionnaire is scored on a scale of 0 to 40. Each question has a series of answers with a corresponding point value from 0 to 4. The total score is the sum of the points from all 10 questions, which corresponds to a specific risk level.

• 0-7 Points (Low Risk): This score suggests a low level of alcohol-related problems. The recommended intervention is typically alcohol education.
• 8-14 Points (Hazardous or Harmful Risk): This score indicates a pattern of hazardous or harmful drinking. Simple advice focused on reducing hazardous drinking is recommended.
• 15 or More Points (Alcohol Dependent Risk): This score suggests a high likelihood of alcohol dependence. The patient requires further diagnostic evaluation and may need more intensive treatment or referral to a specialist.

Question Logic

• If question 1 is "Never" then the assessment will skip questions 2 through 8 but will be required to answer questions 9 through 10.
• If questions 2 & 3 score a zero then the assessment will skip questions 4 through 8 but will be required to answer questions 9 and 10.

Domains Covered

The 10 questions of the AUDIT cover three key conceptual domains:

1. Hazardous Alcohol Consumption (Questions 1-3): These questions assess the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption.
2. Dependence Symptoms (Questions 4-6): These questions inquire about symptoms of alcohol dependence, such as impaired control over drinking, increased salience of drinking, and withdrawal symptoms.
3. Harmful Alcohol Use (Questions 7-10): These questions focus on the adverse consequences of drinking, such as guilt after drinking, blackouts, alcohol-related injuries, and concern from others.

Source and Validation

The AUDIT was developed and validated through a WHO collaborative project involving six countries. It is one of the most accurate and widely used alcohol screening instruments available. Its validity has been established across various populations and cultural settings.

Primary Reference: Babor, T.F., Higgins-Biddle, J.C., Saunders, J.B., & Monteiro, M.G. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Guidelines for Use in Primary Care (2nd ed.). World Health Organization.

Limitations

The AUDIT is a screening tool and not a substitute for a comprehensive diagnostic assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Its accuracy depends on the patient's honest self-reporting, which may be influenced by recall bias or a reluctance to disclose heavy drinking. The definition of a 'standard drink' can also vary by country, which may require clarification for the user.

• Answer up to 10 questions about your alcohol use over the past year.
• Choose the answer that is most accurate for you.
• Your total score and risk level will be calculated and displayed after you answer all questions.
• Please discuss these results with a healthcare provider. This tool is for screening, not for diagnosis.