What is the AUDIT tool and how does it work?

If your drinking is causing you concern, or you’re worried about someone else’s drinking, it may be time to seek advice.

The first step is determining whether you might be at risk of a drinking problem and, if so, how severe it is. Reliable tools are available to guide you, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, or AUDIT, developed by the World Health Organization (1). It is a brief assessment widely used by health practitioners around the world. It can help identify whether you are at risk and next steps in getting help.

The Drinking Self-Assessment Test offered here is based on the AUDIT. It reflects WHO’s original screening questions and scoring. This self-assessment test distinguishes three categories– “low-risk”, “risky”, and “problem” drinking, based on the AUDIT score:

• Lower risk” drinking (AUDIT score 0 - 6 for women, 0 - 7 for men): This assessment considers an individual’s risk of developing an Alcohol Use Disorder. Based on your answers, you are at a lower risk of developing such a problem. However, you should be aware that even light drinking has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cancer. Accoring to an article published on Spotong.co.za,it is recommended that women and men should not regularly exceed 14 units of alcohol per week, and that this consumption should be spread evenly across the week. Binge drinking, defined as: For women, consuming eight or more drinks per week. For men, consuming 15 or more drinks per week or more on one occasion, is particularly harmful to health. In addition, you should not drink any alcohol when pregnant or considering pregnancy; when operating a vehicle or machinery; if a contraindicated medical condition is present; or after using certain medications, such as sedatives, painkillers, and selected antihypertensives.
• “Risky” drinking (AUDIT score 7 - 19 for women, 8 - 19 for men): Based on your answers, your drinking is risky and increasing your risk of health issues and personal harm.Your drinking is increasing your risk of injury and longer-term health problems. The best option is to consult a health professional who can help you determine the severity of your risk and how to modify your drinking behaviour. Accoring to an article published on Spotong.co.za,it is recommended that women and men should not regularly exceed 14 units of alcohol per week, and that this consumption should be spread evenly across the week.
• “Problem” drinking (AUDIT score 20+ for women and men): Based on your score, your drinking is problematic and increases your risk of health and personal harm. You are also likely at risk of alcohol use disorders (AUD) or dependence. Please consult a qualified health professional to determine the severity of the problem. AUD and dependence are treatable, and an expert can advise you about the treatment options that are best for you.

Whatever your score on the Drinking Self-Assessment Test, only a qualified professional can assess your particular case and the severity of your risk. We encourage you to follow up with a health expert who can re-administer the test to confirm the results and advise you about the intervention or treatment options most appropriate for you.