This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.
A screening test from the WHO
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was developed by the World Health Organization in 1989 and tested in six countries. It is one of the most widely used tools for spotting hazardous and harmful drinking before serious problems appear, and is recommended in primary care by the US Preventive Services Task Force among other screening options.
The ten questions
- Questions 1 to 3, consumption: how often you drink, how much on a typical day and how often you have six or more drinks at once.
- Questions 4 to 6, dependence: being unable to stop, failing to do what was expected and needing a drink in the morning.
- Questions 7 to 10, harm: guilt, memory blackouts, injuries and concern from others.
Questions 1 to 8 score 0 to 4; questions 9 and 10 score 0, 2 or 4. The total ranges from 0 to 40.
Interpreting the score
- 0 to 7, zone I: lower-risk drinking; information about low-risk limits is enough.
- 8 to 15, zone II: hazardous drinking; simple advice to cut down is recommended.
- 16 to 19, zone III: harmful drinking; brief counseling and follow-up.
- 20 to 40, zone IV: possible alcohol dependence; referral for diagnostic assessment and treatment.
Some guidelines use a lower threshold, such as 7, for women and adults over 65, who are more affected by the same amount of alcohol. A score of 4 or more on questions 4 to 6, or any points on questions 9 and 10, deserves attention whatever the total.
Counting drinks
The WHO wording is based on a standard drink of 10 g of alcohol. In the US, a standard drink contains 14 g: 12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine or 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits. A craft beer or a large glass of wine can count as two.
Example
Someone who drinks 2 to 4 times a month, 1 or 2 drinks at a time, and has 6 or more drinks less than once a month scores 3, in zone I.
Getting help
If your score is high, talk to your doctor. The SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, offers free and confidential referral 24 hours a day. Stopping heavy drinking suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, so seek medical advice before you do.