What AUDIT-C is
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was developed by the World Health Organization in 1989. Its first three questions, on how often and how much a person drinks, form the AUDIT-C. The Veterans Health Administration and many US primary care practices use it as a routine screening tool.
The three questions
Each is scored from 0 to 4:
- How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
- How many standard drinks do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?
- How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
The total ranges from 0 to 12.
Reading the score
| Score | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Positive screen | 4 or more | 3 or more |
| Possible alcohol use disorder | 8 or more | 8 or more |
Women have a lower threshold because the same amount of alcohol produces higher blood alcohol levels and more harm on average.
Worked example
A man drinks 2 to 4 times a month (2 points), usually 1 or 2 drinks (0 points), and has six or more drinks less than monthly (1 point): 3 points, below the threshold of 4 for men. A woman with the same answers would screen positive.
What counts as a standard drink
In the US, a standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol:
| Drink | Standard size |
|---|---|
| Regular beer (5%) | 12 oz |
| Malt liquor (7%) | 8–9 oz |
| Wine (12%) | 5 oz |
| Spirits (40%, 80 proof) | 1.5 oz |
Craft beers at 7% to 9% and generous wine pours can count as 1.5 to 2 drinks each.
What a positive screen means
A positive AUDIT-C is not a diagnosis. It means your drinking may be raising your risk of high blood pressure, liver disease, several cancers, injuries and sleep problems. A brief conversation with a clinician and setting a goal to cut down often helps. With a score of 8 or more, a fuller assessment for alcohol use disorder is recommended.
Getting help
The SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, is free, confidential and open 24/7 for treatment referral. Effective medications for alcohol use disorder, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, are underused; ask your doctor about them.
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.