What is AUDIT and Why Can This Alcoholism Test Help You?
One of the key features of addiction and alcoholism is denial. In fact, the whole problem can be described as a means by which the problem drinker denies certain problems and traumas. The alcoholic thus lives in a world dominated by false ideas and illusory solutions. And one of the best ways to address that matter is by way of the truth. When a problem drinker begins to confront themselves with honesty, they can cut through the veil of illusion that hinders them from seeing the truth and getting out of their addiction.
Since most problem drinkers are known for ignoring the pleas of their loved ones, an objective measure is helpful when you’re talking to them about their addiction. It also needs to be a rather simple, quick assessment so that they don't have time to become distracted or irritated by the questions. In fact, when a problem drinker's difficulties are so easily unveiled, they may become convinced that they need a sound solution.
With that in mind, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was devised by the World Health Organization to help individuals and clinicians reveal the truth of a person's drinking habits. When a drinker takes the test on their own and discovers that their drinking poses a moderate, high, or severe risk, they will never be able to unsee that information. Hopefully, drinkers who register as having elevated risk will either curb their habit or seek professional help for their substance abuse problem.
What is the AUDIT Test?
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a 10-item evaluative tool the World Health Organization developed in 1982 to screen people for possible drinking problems. The test is simple and takes mere minutes to complete. AUDIT is found in use by clinicians and it's also available for individual use, without the need for technical translation.
While a clinician may follow up with more in-depth questionnaires or interviews, the AUDIT is a superb tool that quickly eliminates non-problem drinkers. In fact, it has been proven to be 92% effective in detecting drinking problems. The test is also available as a self-diagnostic tool, though family members may use the "interview" version to assess a loved one. The speed and simplicity of the test can help a person assess their drinking in a matter of minutes.
One useful feature of the AUDIT test is that it’s neutral with regard to gender and ethnicity. However, the scoring for men and women is slightly different. That is, a woman might fall into the moderate category with a score of 3 or higher, while men are assessed at moderate risk with scores of 4 or greater. Furthermore, the test should be taken within proper context. Those who are in recovery might be able to answer the items in such a way as to produce a result of moderate risk.
Take the Test Below
1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?
3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
4. How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?
5. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of drinking?
6. How often during the last year have you needed a first drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
7. How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
8. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
9. Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
10. Has a relative or friend or a doctor or another health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
Your Results
- Your drinking habits do not presently pose a hazard to your health or well-being. If you feel drinking is starting to negatively impact your life, you may want to seek professional help.
- Your drinking is on a path to cause great harm. If you cannot cut down or quit, consult with an addictions professional. Your responses indicate that you may have a drinking problem and have been assessed as having a "Moderate" Alcohol Use Disorder. Drinking is starting to negatively impact your life and may present increasing risk if unaddressed.
- It is highly likely that you have an alcohol abuse disorder. Please seek help immediately. At this point, you are probably aware that you cannot tackle your drinking problem alone. In fact, you have probably tried to quit, and failed, numerous times. It takes great courage to ask for help, but there are innumerable supports available. If you are thinking, "Yeah, but that's not for me" then you are not alone. There are millions of happy sober people who once said the same thing.
Professional alcohol treatment centers provide help for many in need. To hear about rehab options for you or someone you know, dial our 24/7 help line at +1.855.218.5225
Your Results
Despite the number you scored on this quiz, if you continue to feel that you or someone close to you would benefit from professional alcohol treatment, please call 1.855.218.5225
When Should You Take the AUDIT Test?
The AUDIT test can be taken at any time, but it may be the most effective for heavy drinkers who are starting to see consequences arise from their drinking. Since there is so much at stake when it comes to alcoholic beverages, any potential drinking problem should be assessed before it gets out of control. For instance, if a person's drinking causes them to miss or be late to work, it may be time to take the AUDIT Test. As problems mount such as broken relationships, lost jobs, and financial difficulties, the need for the AUDIT Test increases.
After all, everyone can agree that it is better to take the self-assessment version of the AUDIT Test than to take the interview version upon intake to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The AUDIT Test can help people avoid dire consequences such as jails, institutions, and death.