Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

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The AUDIT is a widely used screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to identify patterns of harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption. It helps clinicians assess risk levels, from low-risk drinking to potential alcohol dependence.

  • Format: Self-report questionnaire
  • Length: 10 items
  • Population: Adults (18+)

Recommended Frequency: Every 6–12 months, or as indicated by risk level or changes in drinking behavior

🧭 What It Measures

The AUDIT captures three core dimensions of alcohol-related risk: consumption, dependence symptoms, and alcohol-related harm. It is intended to flag individuals who may benefit from education, further assessment, or early intervention related to alcohol use.

🧪 Psychometric Properties

The AUDIT has been extensively validated across diverse populations and clinical settings. It shows strong internal consistency (α ≈ 0.80–0.90) and good predictive validity for identifying alcohol use disorders and related harm.

Cut-off scores of 8 or more are typically associated with harmful or hazardous drinking, though optimal thresholds may vary by population. The AUDIT has been endorsed in multiple national guidelines as a first-line alcohol screening tool.

Sources: Babor et al., 2001; Reinert & Allen, 2002

📋 The Scale

The AUDIT includes 10 questions:

  • Items 1–3: Frequency and quantity of alcohol use
  • Items 4–6: Signs of dependence (e.g., inability to stop drinking)
  • Items 7–10: Negative consequences and concerns (e.g., guilt, injury, others’ concern)

Each question is scored from 0–4. Total scores range from 0–40, with higher scores indicating greater risk.

Copyright

Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The AUDIT is public domain and free to reproduce and use in clinical practice.

References

  • 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.
  • Reinert, D. F., & Allen, J. P. (2002). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): A review of recent research. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 26(2), 272–279.

Disclaimer

This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice or interpretation.

Permissions

The AUDIT was developed by the World Health Organization and is made freely available for use in clinical, educational, and research settings. No licensing or permission is required for standard use.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the AUDIT used for diagnosis?

    No. It screens for risky or problematic alcohol use. A formal diagnosis requires clinical judgment and may involve DSM-5 criteria or structured interviews.

  • What’s the difference between the AUDIT and AUDIT-C?

    The AUDIT-C consists of the first 3 questions and is focused solely on consumption. The full AUDIT includes consequences and dependence risk, making it more comprehensive

  • Can I use the AUDIT remotely?

    Yes. It can be completed via HiBoop’s secure link and reviewed in session. Though some clinicians find it important that the client is stabilized to provide better quality data.

  • What if my client scores high on just a few items?

    Explore those areas in detail. A high score on specific items (e.g., blackouts or morning drinking) may indicate localized but serious risk.

  • What if my client doesn’t drink often but drinks heavily when they do?

    This pattern—episodic binge drinking—can still result in high scores and clinical risk, even if overall frequency is low.

  • How do I explain the AUDIT to clients?

    Let them know it’s a standard tool to understand alcohol’s impact on their life—not about judgment, but about care planning and support.