AUDIT
The WHO's test for identifying risky alcohol use.
What is it?
The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) was developed by the World Health Organization to identify problematic alcohol use. It comprises 10 questions covering the past 12 months.
The total score ranges from 0 to 40 and is divided into zones: low risk, risky use, harmful use, and probable dependence.
Why it is used
The AUDIT is the most validated alcohol screening tool in the world, designed to work across varied cultural contexts. It helps open up the conversation early, before complications appear.
Two questions (about injuries and concern from those around you) are important warning signals, even when the overall score remains low.
Its limits
The AUDIT identifies a risk; it does not make a diagnosis of dependence. Sharply cutting down or stopping a heavy consumption may require medical support, as unsupervised withdrawal can be dangerous.
This page is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.