Alcohol is the only drug where, if you don’t do it, people ask you why. It’s woven into our celebrations, our dinners, and our stress-relief rituals.
Because it’s so normalized, it can be incredibly hard to spot when “social drinking” slips into “problem drinking.” You might tell yourself, “I still go to work,” or “I only drink wine, not vodka.” But addiction is rarely about what you drink—it’s about how it affects your life.
If you’ve ever woken up with a hazy memory and a heavy pit of regret in your stomach, this tool is for you.
The Science: The WHO Gold Standard
The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) was developed by the World Health Organization over two decades ago. To this day, it remains the most accurate screening tool for alcohol issues worldwide.
It doesn’t just look for “alcoholism” (severe dependency). It is designed to catch problems early, identifying hazardous drinking (patterns that increase risk of harm) and harmful drinking (patterns that are already causing damage) before they spiral into full addiction.
- AUDIT-C: The ultra-short version (just the first 3 questions). It checks for consumption levels.
- Full AUDIT: The 10-question deep dive. It checks for dependency symptoms and alcohol-related problems (like injuries or guilt).
The Tool: AUDIT & AUDIT-C
This test is a private, judgment-free zone. It asks about frequency, quantity, and the consequences of your drinking habits.
👉 Take the Test: AUDIT & AUDIT-C Screening Test
What To Do With Your Score
The AUDIT breaks scores into four distinct zones:
- Zone I (Low Risk): Your habits are likely within safe limits.
- Zone II (Hazardous): You are drinking in a way that risks your health. Consider simple “brief interventions” like setting strict limits (e.g., “No drinking on weeknights”).
- Zone III (Harmful): Your drinking is likely already causing consequences (health, relationship, or work issues). Counseling or a reduction program is highly recommended.
- Zone IV (Dependent): This score suggests a possible physical or psychological dependence on alcohol. Do not stop cold turkey without medical advice, as withdrawal can be dangerous. Please see a specialist.
Safety & Disclaimer
This tool is for educational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis.
- Withdrawal Warning: If you are a heavy daily drinker, stopping alcohol suddenly can cause seizures or death. You may need a medical detox. Please consult a doctor before quitting abruptly.
- Emergency: If you are in crisis, please call a helpline (e.g., 988 in the US, or the National Toll-Free Helpline for Prevention of Alcoholism in India: 14446).
References
- Saunders, J. B., Aasland, O. G., Babor, T. F., de la Fuente, J. R., & Grant, M. (1993). Development of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): WHO Collaborative Project on Early Detection of Persons with Harmful Alcohol Consumption–II. Addiction.
- Bush, K., Kivlahan, D. R., McDonell, M. B., Fihn, S. D., & Bradley, K. A. (1998). The AUDIT alcohol consumption questions (AUDIT-C): An effective brief screening test for problem drinking. Archives of Internal Medicine.
- Babor, T. F., et al. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Guidelines for Use in Primary Care. World Health Organization.