This screening tool is designed for anyone concerned about their alcohol consumption and can help identify symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), ranging from mild to severe. Taking just 5-10 minutes to complete, this assessment is based on validated screening tools including the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, widely used by healthcare professionals worldwide. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential. What is Alcohol Use Disorder? AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. It encompasses what was previously referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, and affects approximately 14.5 million Americans—about 1 in 17 people.

Important Disclaimer:

This is a screening tool only, not a diagnosis. Alcohol Use Disorder is treatable with proper support from addiction specialists and healthcare providers. Please discuss your results with your primary care doctor, addiction counselor, or mental health professional. Warning: If you drink heavily and regularly, stopping alcohol suddenly can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Always consult a medical professional before reducing or stopping alcohol use. If you’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms (seizures, hallucinations, confusion), chest pain, or other medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). All responses are anonymous and confidential.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic brain disorder, not a moral failing or lack of willpower. It’s a medical condition where the brain’s chemistry and structure have been changed by alcohol, making it increasingly difficult to control drinking despite wanting to stop or cut down.

AUD is not:

AUD is:

Standard Drink Definitions

Understanding what constitutes a “standard drink” is crucial for assessing your alcohol consumption. One standard drink in the United States contains about 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol:

Important note: Many drinks contain more than one standard drink:

Severity Levels of AUD

According to the DSM-5, Alcohol Use Disorder is diagnosed based on meeting certain criteria within a 12-month period, with severity determined by the number of criteria met:

Mild AUD: 2-3 symptoms

Moderate AUD: 4-5 symptoms

Severe AUD: 6 or more symptoms

Drinking Patterns That Indicate Risk

Binge Drinking:

Heavy Drinking:

High-Risk Drinking: Any drinking that increases chance of harm:

Warning Signs of AUD

Common warning signs that may indicate Alcohol Use Disorder:

Loss of control:

Continued use despite consequences:

Physical dependence:

Social and behavioral changes:

Risk Factors for Developing AUD

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing Alcohol Use Disorder:

Genetic and biological factors:

Environmental and social factors:

Psychological factors:

The Screening Test

Instructions

To complete this screening accurately, answer honestly about your alcohol consumption and its effects on your life. Think about the past 12 months and your typical patterns. Choose the answer that best describes your experience. There are no right or wrong answers—this is simply to help you and your healthcare provider understand your relationship with alcohol. All questions should be answered for accurate results. If you don’t drink alcohol, you don’t need to complete this screening. If any questions feel difficult or triggering, take your time or take a break. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness.

Important: Be honest about the number of drinks you consume. People often underestimate their alcohol intake. Remember the standard drink sizes mentioned earlier.

Part 1: AUDIT Core Questions

These questions screen for harmful and hazardous alcohol use:

1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

2. How many standard drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when drinking?

3. How often do you have 6 or more drinks on one occasion?

4. During the past year, how often have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?

5. During the past year, how often have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?

6. During the past year, how often have you needed a drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?

7. During the past year, how often have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

8. During the past year, how often have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of drinking (blackouts)?

9. Have you or someone else been injured because of your drinking?

10. Has a relative, friend, doctor, or other health care worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?

Part 2: DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

In the past 12 months, have you experienced any of the following? Check all that apply:

Impaired Control:

11. Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended?

12. More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?

13. Spent a lot of time drinking, being sick from drinking, or getting over the aftereffects?

14. Experienced craving—a strong need, urge, or desire to drink?

Social Impairment:

15. Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family, or caused job troubles, or school problems?

16. Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?

17. Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?

Risky Use:

18. More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?

19. Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious, or adding to another health problem, or after having had a memory blackout?

Pharmacological Criteria:

20. Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before? (Tolerance)

21. Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating? Or sensed things that were not there?

Part 3: Withdrawal Symptoms Assessment

22. Have you experienced any of these withdrawal symptoms when you stopped drinking or tried to cut down? (Check all that apply)

⚠️ WARNING: If you checked hallucinations, confusion, or seizures, this indicates potentially dangerous withdrawal. Medical supervision is ESSENTIAL before reducing or stopping alcohol.

Part 4: Consequences and Impact

23. Has your drinking led to any of the following consequences? (Check all that apply)

24. How much does your drinking interfere with your normal daily activities, work, school, or relationships?

25. How concerned are you about your drinking?

26. Are you ready to make changes to your drinking?

Results & Interpretation

How Scoring Works

AUDIT Score (Questions 1-10): Add up your points from questions 1-10. Maximum possible score: 40 points

Interpretation:

DSM-5 Criteria (Questions 11-21): Count the number of “Yes” responses. This determines AUD severity:

Overall Assessment: Consider your AUDIT score, DSM-5 criteria count, withdrawal symptoms, consequences experienced, and level of interference with life to determine your overall risk level and need for intervention.

If You Scored High Risk (AUDIT 16+, Moderate-Severe AUD, or Severe Withdrawal Symptoms)

What this means: Your responses strongly suggest Alcohol Use Disorder requiring professional intervention. You may have significant physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. This is a serious medical condition, but it is highly treatable. Many people with severe AUD achieve long-term recovery and go on to live fulfilling, sober lives.

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Do NOT attempt to stop drinking suddenly or “cold turkey” without medical supervision. For people who drink heavily and regularly, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Symptoms like seizures, severe confusion, or hallucinations (delirium tremens) require immediate medical attention.

Immediate next steps:

Treatment recommendations for severe AUD:

Important to know:

Medical complications requiring urgent attention: Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

If cost is a concern:

If You Scored Moderate Concern (AUDIT 8-15, Mild AUD, or Some Concerning Patterns)

What this means: Your drinking is in the hazardous range and putting you at increased risk for developing AUD or experiencing alcohol-related harm. You may have mild Alcohol Use Disorder, or you may be engaging in risky drinking patterns that could worsen over time. Now is an excellent time to make changes before problems become more severe.

Next steps:

Treatment options at this level:

Self-management strategies to try:

Why act now:

Red flags to watch for—seek more intensive help if:

Remember: You don’t have to have “hit rock bottom” to deserve help. Addressing concerning drinking patterns early prevents severe problems and makes change much easier.

If You Scored Lower Risk (AUDIT 0-7, No AUD Diagnosis, Minimal Concerns)

What this means: Your responses suggest low-risk drinking or no alcohol-related problems at this time. You’re likely within generally safe drinking limits and not experiencing significant consequences from alcohol use.

Recommended safe drinking limits (for adults 21+):

Who should not drink at all:

Maintaining low-risk drinking:

Reassess if:

When even low-risk drinking might be a concern:

Alternative perspective: Many people choose not to drink at all, and that’s a healthy choice too. Alcohol is not necessary for a fulfilling life, successful socializing, or stress management. If you’re considering reducing or eliminating alcohol, that decision is always supported and valid.

Benefits of little or no alcohol consumption:

Getting Help & Treatment

Treatment Options

Alcohol Use Disorder is a treatable medical condition. With proper specialized care, many people achieve long-term recovery. Recovery rates improve significantly with appropriate treatment. Effective treatments include:

Medical Detoxification

For people with moderate to severe AUD, medical detoxification is the critical first step:

What it is:

Medications used during detox:

Why medical detox is essential: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening without proper medical supervision. Symptoms can include seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, and dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Never attempt to detox at home alone if you:

Behavioral Therapies

Therapy is the foundation of long-term recovery:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET):

Contingency Management:

12-Step Facilitation Therapy:

Family and Couples Therapy:

Group Therapy:

Medication-Assisted Treatment

FDA-approved medications can significantly improve treatment outcomes when combined with therapy:

Naltrexone (Vivitrol):

Acamprosate (Campral):

Disulfiram (Antabuse):

Other medications:

Important notes about medications:

Finding Help in the United States

SAMHSA National Helpline:

Your primary care doctor:

Addiction specialists and treatment centers:

Finding treatment providers:

National Organizations:

For Family & Friends

Supporting Someone with Alcohol Use Disorder

Watching someone struggle with AUD is painful and frustrating. You may feel helpless, angry, scared, or exhausted. Understanding the disease and how to help effectively can make a significant difference for both you and your loved one.

How to Help

Express concern with love, not judgment:

Learn about Alcohol Use Disorder:

Encourage professional help:

Set healthy boundaries:

Take care of yourself:

If they’re ready for treatment:

Support their recovery if they’re in treatment:

What to Avoid Saying and Doing

Don’t say:

Don’t do:

Enabling vs. Supporting:

When to Consider an Intervention

A formal intervention may be appropriate when:

How to conduct an intervention:

Important: Interventions should be carefully planned and ideally led by professionals. Poorly executed interventions can make things worse.

When You Must Prioritize Safety

Take immediate action if:

You are not responsible for their choices, but you are responsible for protecting yourself and others, especially children.

Scientific Sources & Disclaimer

This screening is based on:

References:

Important Disclaimer

This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider, addiction specialist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor. Alcohol Use Disorder is a serious medical condition requiring expert assessment and treatment from qualified medical and mental health professionals.