Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a ten-question self-report survey developed by the World Health Organization to screen patients for possible alcoholism (alcohol abuse problems). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a ten-question self-report survey developed by the World Health Organization to screen patients for possible alcoholism (alcohol abuse problems). The test was designed to be used internationally, and was validated in a study drawing patients from six countries. Several research studies have found that the AUDIT screening tool is a reliable and valid measure in identifying alcohol abuse problem behaviors and it has been found to be a valid indicator for severity of alcohol dependence. There is some evidence that the AUDIT works in adolescents and young adults; it appears less accurate in older adults. It appears well-suited for use with college students, and also with women and members of minority groups. There has also been significant evidence for its use in the trauma patient population to screen for possible alcohol use disorders. In the trauma patient population, AUDIT has been shown to be more effective at identifying possible alcohol abuse than physician judgement and the blood alcohol content (BAC) test. AUDIT is composed of 3 subsections comprising: hazardous alcohol use (3 questions), symptoms of dependence (3 questions), and harmful alcohol use (4 questions). Each question is scored on a 4-point scale, for a total of 40 points, with higher ratings related to higher risk for alcohol related problems. Scores ranging between 8 and 15 (medium risk for alcohol related problems) are usually targeted by a brief intervention. Scores of 16 to 19 may be indicative of hazardous use of alcohol, while scores above 20 are concerning for alcohol dependence. A shorter version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) has been created for rapid use, and is composed of the first 3-question of the full length AUDIT pertaining specifically to quantity of alcohol consumed. It is appropriate for screening for problem drinking in a doctor's office.