Alcohol Use Disorder Test – Check Your Drinking Patterns
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.
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 GP, addiction counsellor, 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 999 immediately. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
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:
A sign of weakness or bad character
Something you can “just stop” through willpower alone
A lifestyle choice
Rare or unusual (it affects hundreds of thousands of people)
AUD is:
A recognised medical condition with specific diagnostic criteria
A treatable chronic disease
Caused by changes in brain chemistry and structure
Something that can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or how they started drinking
Standard Drink Definitions
Understanding what constitutes a “standard drink” or “unit of alcohol” is crucial for assessing your alcohol consumption. One unit of alcohol in the United Kingdom contains 8 grams (10ml) of pure alcohol:
Half a pint of ordinary strength lager/beer/cider (3.6% ABV) = 1 unit
A single measure of spirits (25ml, 40% ABV) = 1 unit
A small glass of wine (125ml, 12% ABV) = 1.5 units
A standard glass of wine (175ml, 12% ABV) = 2.1 units
A large glass of wine (250ml, 12% ABV) = 3 units
Important note: Many drinks contain more than you might think:
A large glass of wine at a restaurant may be 250ml (3 units)
Strong lagers and craft beers often have 5-6% ABV (2-3 units per pint)
Mixed drinks may contain multiple shots
A bottle of wine (750ml, 12% ABV) contains about 9 units
Strong ciders have higher alcohol content than ordinary ciders
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
Early stage, but intervention is still important
Drinking is starting to cause problems
Easier to treat at this stage
High risk of progression without intervention
Moderate AUD: 4-5 symptoms
Clear pattern of problematic drinking
Noticeable negative consequences
Likely physical dependence developing
Professional treatment recommended
Severe AUD: 6 or more symptoms
What was traditionally called “alcoholism” or “alcohol dependence”
Significant physical and psychological dependence
Major life consequences
Medical supervision essential for stopping
Intensive treatment typically needed
Drinking Patterns That Indicate Risk
Binge Drinking:
For men: 8 or more units within a single session
For women: 6 or more units within a single session
Associated with increased risk of injuries, assault, alcohol poisoning, risky sexual behaviour, and long-term health problems
Regular binge drinking significantly increases risk of developing AUD
Heavy Drinking:
For men and women: More than 14 units per week regularly
Drinking most days of the week
Increases risk of AUD and numerous health problems
Even if not binge drinking, heavy regular consumption is risky
High-Risk Drinking: Any drinking that increases chance of harm:
Drink-driving
Drinking whilst pregnant
Drinking with certain medications
Drinking with certain medical conditions
Underage drinking
Drinking to cope with stress, trauma, or emotions
Warning Signs of AUD
Common warning signs that may indicate Alcohol Use Disorder:
Loss of control:
Drinking more than intended
Unable to cut down despite wanting to
Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
Strong cravings or urges to drink
Continued use despite consequences:
Drinking despite physical or mental health problems
Continued drinking despite relationship, work, or legal problems
Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking
Giving up important activities to drink
Physical dependence:
Needing to drink more to feel the same effects (tolerance)
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Drinking to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms
Social and behavioural changes:
Drinking in risky situations (driving, operating machinery)
Secretive drinking or hiding alcohol consumption
Defensiveness when confronted about drinking
Failed attempts to quit or cut down
Risk Factors for Developing AUD
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing Alcohol Use Disorder:
Genetic and biological factors:
Family history of alcoholism (50-60% of risk is genetic)
Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder)
History of trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Early age of first drink (before age 15 significantly increases risk)
Environmental and social factors:
Cultural attitudes normalising heavy drinking
Peer pressure and social drinking norms
Easy access to alcohol
High-stress environments or occupations
Lack of family supervision or support
Exposure to alcohol marketing
Psychological factors:
Using alcohol to cope with stress, emotions, or trauma
Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy
Impulsivity and sensation-seeking traits
History of other substance use
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 and units 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 units of alcohol do you have on a typical day when drinking? (Note: A pint of ordinary strength lager = 2 units, a standard glass of wine = 2 units, a single spirit = 1 unit)
3. How often do you have 6 or more units 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 whilst 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:
0-7 points: Low risk—within generally safe drinking limits
8-15 points: Hazardous drinking—increased risk of harm from alcohol
20-40 points: Possible alcohol dependence—professional evaluation strongly recommended
DSM-5 Criteria (Questions 11-21): Count the number of “Yes” responses. This determines AUD severity:
0-1 “Yes”: No AUD diagnosis
2-3 “Yes”: Mild Alcohol Use Disorder
4-5 “Yes”: Moderate Alcohol Use Disorder
6 or more “Yes”: Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
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
1. Contact your GP surgery and request an urgent appointment for a medical evaluation 2. Call the Drinkline national alcohol helpline: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 11am-4pm)—free, confidential advice and support 3. In Scotland, call Drinkline Scotland: 0300 123 1110 4. In Wales, call DAN 24/7: 0808 808 2234 5. In Northern Ireland, call Ascert: 028 9066 8011 6. Be completely honest with your GP about how much and how often you drink 7. If you’ve experienced severe withdrawal symptoms (hallucinations, seizures, confusion), go to A&E or call 999 immediately 8. Consider medically supervised detoxification if you’ve been drinking heavily 9. Request referral to an addiction specialist, treatment programme, or substance misuse service 10. Bring this screening result to your medical appointment
Treatment recommendations for severe AUD
Medical detoxification: Safe, supervised withdrawal with medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications
Inpatient/residential treatment: 28-90 day programmes providing 24/7 support and intensive therapy
Community alcohol treatment services: Specialist NHS services providing assessment, detox support, counselling, and ongoing care
Medication-assisted treatment: NHS-approved medications (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram) combined with therapy
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Free peer support groups available throughout the UK
SMART Recovery: Alternative mutual support programme
Family therapy: Involving loved ones in recovery process
Addressing co-occurring conditions: Treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues
Important to know
Alcohol Use Disorder is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failure
Thousands of people have recovered from severe AUD and live happy, fulfilling sober lives
Relapse is common and doesn’t mean treatment failed—it’s often part of the recovery journey
Treatment works—studies show 50-60% of people maintain sobriety after completing treatment
Early intervention prevents further health damage and improves outcomes
The most dangerous time is trying to quit without medical support
You deserve help and support—addiction is not your fault, but recovery is your responsibility
Medical complications requiring urgent attention
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
Severe or worsening withdrawal symptoms
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Vomiting blood or black/bloody stools
Confusion or disorientation
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Severe abdominal pain
Seizures
Loss of consciousness or inability to wake someone
If cost is a concern
NHS treatment for alcohol problems is free at the point of use
Community alcohol services are available on the NHS
Free support groups (AA, SMART Recovery) available throughout the UK
Voluntary sector organisations provide free or low-cost support
Your life and health are worth seeking help
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
1. Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your drinking honestly 2. Ask for guidance on safer drinking limits or whether you should stop completely 3. Request referral to local alcohol support services if needed 4. Consider brief counselling or alcohol education programmes 5. Request screening for any physical health impacts (liver function, blood pressure, etc.) 6. Set specific, measurable goals for reducing drinking 7. Track your drinking using an app or diary to stay aware 8. Contact Drinkline for guidance and resources: 0300 123 1110
Treatment options at this level
Brief intervention: Short counselling sessions with your GP or practice nurse focusing on reducing drinking
Extended brief intervention: More structured support over several sessions
Community alcohol services: NHS specialist services offering assessment, advice, and treatment
Medication: Your GP might recommend naltrexone or other medications to reduce cravings
Support groups: SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, or other mutual aid groups
Online programmes: NHS-approved apps and websites like Drink Free Days, Try Dry
Telephone support: Drinkline offers ongoing phone support
Self-management strategies to try
Set clear limits (e.g., “No more than 14 units per week spread over at least 3 days”)
Have several drink-free days each week
Avoid triggers and high-risk situations
Choose smaller drink sizes or lower-alcohol options
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks
Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Avoid drinking to cope with stress or emotions
Find alternative activities (exercise, hobbies, social events without alcohol)
Tell supportive friends/family about your goals
Track progress and celebrate successes
Why act now
Hazardous drinking significantly increases risk of developing AUD
Physical dependence hasn’t fully developed, making it easier to change
You can prevent serious health complications that come with long-term heavy drinking
Early intervention is much more effective than waiting until problems are severe
Your liver, heart, brain, and other organs can recover if you reduce drinking now
Preventing progression to severe AUD saves you from years of struggle
Red flags to watch for—seek more intensive help if:
You find you can’t cut down despite sincere efforts
Drinking frequency or quantity increases
You start experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Negative consequences escalate
You begin drinking to relieve stress or negative emotions regularly
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.
UK Chief Medical Officers’ Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, it is safest not to drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis, for both men and women.
If you do drink as much as 14 units per week:
Spread your drinking over 3 or more days
If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risks of death from long-term illness and from accidents and injuries
Have several drink-free days each week
These limits are for generally healthy adults—some people should drink less or not at all
Who should not drink at all
Pregnant women or those trying to conceive (alcohol causes foetal damage)
People under age 18
Those taking medications that interact with alcohol
People with certain medical conditions (liver disease, pancreatitis, heart conditions, etc.)
Those with a history of AUD or family history of alcoholism
People who will be driving or operating machinery
Those recovering from AUD—even one drink can trigger relapse
Maintaining low-risk drinking
Continue staying within recommended limits of 14 units per week
Spread drinking over 3 or more days
Have several alcohol-free days each week
Be aware of situations where you drink more than usual
Avoid using alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions
Stay informed about units in drinks (many people underestimate)
Know your family history—higher genetic risk means more caution needed
Get regular health check-ups including liver function tests if you drink regularly
Reassess if:
Your drinking frequency or amount increases
You start drinking to cope with problems or emotions
Others express concern about your drinking
You experience any negative consequences from drinking
Your life circumstances change (increased stress, depression, major life events)
You notice it’s becoming harder to stay within limits
When even low-risk drinking might be a concern
If you have a strong family history of alcoholism (genetic vulnerability)
If you have mental health conditions (alcohol can worsen depression and anxiety)
If you’re using alcohol as your primary way to relax or socialise
If you feel you “need” alcohol in certain situations
If you feel defensive when others mention your drinking
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 socialising, 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
Better sleep quality
More energy
Clearer thinking and better memory
Improved mood and mental health
Better physical health (heart, liver, brain, immune system)
Lower risk of various cancers
More money saved
No hangovers or regrets
Getting Help & Treatment
Treatment Options
Alcohol Use Disorder is a treatable medical condition. With proper specialised 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:
Medically supervised withdrawal from alcohol in a safe environment
Can be inpatient (hospital or specialist unit) or community-based with close monitoring
Typically lasts 3-7 days depending on severity
Medications provided to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications
Medications used during detox:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) to prevent seizures and reduce anxiety
Anti-sickness medications
Vitamins (especially thiamine/B1 to prevent brain damage)
Medications for blood pressure and heart rate
Sleep aids if needed
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:
Have been drinking heavily for weeks, months, or years
Have had severe withdrawal symptoms in the past
Have had seizures related to alcohol withdrawal
Have serious medical or mental health conditions
Are at risk for delirium tremens (DTs)
Behavioural Therapies
Therapy is the foundation of long-term recovery:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Most widely studied and effective therapy for AUD
Identifies triggers and high-risk situations for drinking
Develops healthier coping strategies for stress, emotions, and cravings
Changes thought patterns that support drinking
Teaches refusal skills and relapse prevention
Typically 12-20 sessions, but can be longer
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET):
Brief intervention (usually 2-4 sessions) focused on increasing motivation to change
Explores ambivalence about quitting or reducing drinking
Develops a personalised plan for change
Particularly effective in early stages or for people unsure about treatment
Contingency Management:
Provides tangible rewards (vouchers, prizes) for staying sober
Positive reinforcement for abstinence verified by testing
Highly effective, especially combined with other therapies
12-Step Facilitation Therapy:
Prepares individuals to participate in 12-step mutual support groups like AA
Based on accepting alcoholism as a disease
Emphasises abstinence and working through the 12 steps
Connects individuals to ongoing peer support
Family and Couples Therapy:
Involves family members or partners in treatment
Addresses relationship issues related to drinking
Builds family support for recovery
Teaches loved ones how to support without enabling
Particularly effective in improving outcomes
Group Therapy:
Led by trained therapist with 6-12 participants
Share experiences, learn from others, reduce isolation
Practise social skills and receive feedback
Often focuses on specific themes (relapse prevention, coping skills, anger management)
Medication-Assisted Treatment
NHS-approved medications can significantly improve treatment outcomes when combined with therapy:
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 judgement:
Choose a time when the person is sober and you’re both calm
Use “I” statements: “I’m worried about your drinking” not “You’re an alcoholic”
Share specific observations: “I noticed you missed work three times last month after drinking”
Express care and concern: “I love you and I’m worried about your health and safety”
Avoid blame, shame, or lectures
Learn about Alcohol Use Disorder:
Understand it’s a medical condition, not a moral failing or lack of willpower
The person isn’t choosing to hurt you—they have a disease that changes the brain
Recognise that they likely feel shame, guilt, and want to stop but can’t alone
Addiction is progressive—it gets worse without treatment, not better
Recovery is possible with proper treatment and support
Encourage professional help:
Suggest speaking with their GP about their drinking
Offer to help research treatment options or therapists
Offer to attend appointments with them if they’d like
Share this screening or other resources
Don’t give up if they refuse initially—keep the door open
Set healthy boundaries:
You can be supportive without enabling destructive behaviour
Don’t lie or make excuses for them
Don’t pay their bills or bail them out of consequences
Don’t drink with them or supply alcohol
Protect your own physical and emotional safety
It’s okay to set limits on what you will and won’t tolerate
Take care of yourself:
You didn’t cause the AUD, you can’t control it, and you can’t cure it (the “3 Cs”)
Attend Al-Anon or other support groups for families
Consider your own therapy to process your feelings
Maintain your own relationships, hobbies, and self-care
Set boundaries to protect your wellbeing
You can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved
If they’re ready for treatment:
Act quickly—motivation can be fleeting
Help them make appointments or find treatment programmes
Offer practical support (transport, childcare, etc.)
Be encouraging and supportive
Understand that treatment is a process, not a one-time fix
Prepare for the possibility of relapse
Support their recovery if they’re in treatment:
Attend family therapy sessions if invited
Learn about their recovery programme
Remove alcohol from your home
Avoid drinking around them, especially early in recovery
Be patient—recovery takes time
Celebrate milestones (30 days, 60 days, etc.)
Don’t be the “alcohol police”—their recovery is their responsibility
Support relapse prevention planning
What to Avoid Saying and Doing
Don’t say:
“Just stop drinking”—they can’t “just stop” alone
“You’re embarrassing the family”—shame doesn’t motivate change
“If you loved me, you’d quit”—guilt rarely works and can backfire
“I’m sure you can control it”—this enables continued drinking
“You’re weak” or “You have no willpower”—AUD is a disease, not a character flaw
“One drink won’t hurt”—it absolutely can for someone with AUD
“I’m giving up on you”—even if you need to set boundaries, expressing hopelessness hurts
Don’t do:
Enable their drinking by making excuses, covering for them, or minimising problems
Drink with them or supply alcohol
Try to control their drinking (hiding alcohol, pouring out bottles)—this doesn’t work
Ignore serious problems (drink-driving, violence, neglect of children)
Shield them from natural consequences of their drinking
Take over all their responsibilities
Sacrifice your own health and wellbeing to “save” them
Give them money that might be used for alcohol
Ignore warning signs because they’re functioning in some areas of life
Enabling vs. Supporting:
Enabling: Making it easier for them to continue drinking without facing consequences
Supporting: Helping them access treatment whilst allowing them to experience natural consequences
When to Consider an Intervention
A formal intervention may be appropriate when:
The person refuses to acknowledge they have a problem
Drinking is causing serious harm to them or others
They’ve refused help repeatedly
The situation is dangerous or could become life-threatening
How to conduct an intervention:
Work with a professional interventionist when possible (contact local alcohol services for guidance)
Gather loved ones who care about the person
Plan what everyone will say in advance
Speak from love and personal experience, not anger
Present treatment options and be prepared to take them immediately
Set boundaries: “If you don’t get help, I will…” and be prepared to follow through
Remain calm and non-judgemental, even if the person gets angry or defensive
Important: Interventions should be carefully planned and ideally led by professionals. Poorly executed interventions can make things worse.
When You Must Prioritise Safety
Take immediate action if:
They’re driving whilst intoxicated—call the police (999) to prevent harm
There’s violence or threat of violence—protect yourself and children first, call 999
Children are being neglected or endangered—contact children’s services or NSPCC (0808 800 5000)
They’re suicidal or threatening self-harm—call 999 or take them to A&E, or call Samaritans (116 123)
They have severe withdrawal symptoms—call 999
They’re unconscious from drinking—call 999 immediately (alcohol poisoning)
You are not responsible for their choices, but you are responsible for protecting yourself and others, especially children.
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) – World Health Organisation validated screening tool (Saunders et al., 1993)
DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) – American Psychiatric Association diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
UK Chief Medical Officers’ Low Risk Drinking Guidelines (2016)
NHS clinical guidance on alcohol misuse
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines
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, 88(6), 791-804.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
UK Chief Medical Officers. (2016). UK Chief Medical Officers’ Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2011). Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence (CG115).
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 counsellor. Alcohol Use Disorder is a serious medical condition requiring expert assessment and treatment from qualified medical and mental health professionals.
If you are concerned about your drinking, please contact your GP, local NHS alcohol service, or call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110.
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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