The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption) is a brief, widely used screening tool designed to help healthcare providers understand a patient’s alcohol consumption patterns. It serves as an initial step in identifying individuals at risk for hazardous drinking or alcohol use disorders, facilitating early conversations and potential interventions.
Understanding the AUDIT-C Questions and Scoring
The AUDIT-C is comprised of three questions, each designed to gauge different aspects of an individual’s alcohol consumption over the past year. The first question asks about the frequency of alcohol consumption, such as “How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?” Responses range from “never” to “4 or more times a week.” The second question focuses on the quantity of alcohol consumed on a typical drinking occasion, for instance, “How many standard drinks do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?”
The third question addresses the frequency of heavy or “binge” drinking, specifically asking “How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?” This question identifies patterns of excessive alcohol intake. Each of these three questions is scored on a scale from 0 to 4 points. The individual scores are then summed to produce a total score, which can range from 0 to 12 points.
What Your AUDIT-C Score Means
A higher total score on the AUDIT-C indicates a greater likelihood of hazardous drinking or a potential alcohol use disorder. For the general population, a score of 4 or more for men identifies hazardous drinking or potential alcohol use disorder. For women, a score of 3 or more suggests a similar level of concern. These thresholds are widely accepted in many clinical settings to flag individuals who may benefit from further assessment.
Specific organizations may employ different cut-off points based on their patient populations and intervention goals. For instance, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) use a higher threshold, considering a score of 5 points or greater as positive for both men and women. This higher threshold minimizes false positives, targeting interventions more precisely. The AUDIT-C is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one; a positive score signals the need for a more comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional, rather than providing a definitive diagnosis.
The Role of AUDIT-C in Healthcare
The AUDIT-C plays a role in routine healthcare due to its widespread adoption in primary care settings. Its brevity and straightforward nature make it an efficient tool for clinicians to quickly screen for alcohol misuse during patient visits. The tool has undergone validation across various demographic groups, demonstrating its utility in diverse populations, though its sensitivity can vary.
By facilitating the early identification of problematic alcohol consumption patterns, the AUDIT-C allows healthcare providers to initiate timely conversations with patients. This early detection can lead to prompt intervention and support, preventing escalation of alcohol-related issues. Healthcare providers can offer guidance, provide brief interventions, or refer patients to specialized resources and treatment programs, helping individuals address alcohol use before severe health or social consequences arise.