The AUDIT is the WHO-developed screening for hazardous and harmful alcohol use. Ten questions, about 2 minutes, instant score. Your answers never leave your device. A screening is not a diagnosis - it is a starting point.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist. Last reviewed July 2026.
Clinical validity: The AUDIT is the gold-standard alcohol screening tool, validated across cultures and settings. It has 92% sensitivity and 94% specificity for hazardous drinking at a cutoff of 8 (Saunders et al., Addiction, 1993; WHO).
If you are in crisis, do not wait for a test score. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or call 911.
How is the AUDIT scored?
Score
Risk level
What clinicians recommend
0-7
Low risk
No intervention needed
8-14
Hazardous use
Brief counseling recommended
15-19
Harmful use
Extended counseling; evaluation recommended
20-40
Possible dependence
Comprehensive evaluation; consider referral for treatment
What is the AUDIT?
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was developed by the World Health Organization as a method for early identification of persons with hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption. It covers three domains: hazardous alcohol use (items 1-3), dependence symptoms (items 4-6), and harmful alcohol use (items 7-10).
What does an AUDIT score of 8 mean?
A score of 8 or higher on the AUDIT indicates that your alcohol use has moved beyond low-risk levels. It does not mean you are dependent on alcohol - it means your drinking pattern is associated with increased risk of health problems, injuries, or the development of alcohol use disorder. A clinician can help you evaluate your relationship with alcohol.
How is alcohol related to mental health?
Alcohol use and mental health conditions frequently co-occur. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can all drive increased alcohol use, and heavy drinking can worsen the symptoms of each. A psychiatric evaluation can identify whether alcohol use is a primary concern or is related to an underlying mental health condition.