Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test (AUDIT)
What is the Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test
The Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test.htm), or AUDIT, is a screening tool to asses excessive drinking levels. It was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is used all over the world by medical professionals who work in the drug and alcohol industry. It was developed to give professionals a framework to intervene when an individual is engaging in excessive or harmful drinking behaviors and are at risk of serious health problems.
What AUDIT Can Do
The Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test is a tool for medical professionals to identify people who would benefit from reducing or ceasing drinking. The AUDIT helps to diagnose people who have alcohol dependence, drink at harmful levels or those who participates in risky drinking. Once the diagnosis is made, appropriate treatments can be recommended.
Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test Scores
The Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test scores an individual on their dependency to alcohol. There are 4 main categories; Low risk, risky or hazardous, high risk or harmful, and high risk:
* 0-7 Low risk
* 8-15 Risky or hazardous
* 16-19 Harmful
* 20+ High risk
Depending on the AUDIT score a person receives, the health worker will determine the appropriate treatment or interventions required.
Why Screen for Alcohol Use
Screening occurs in the majority of hospitals and other primary care facilities. Screening for alcohol consumption is important to provide doctors and clinicians information about alcohol use which may affect medications or other treatments. It may also give an opportunity to re-assess individuals who previously were consuming alcohol at high levels but have changed. Screening is also an effective way to get individuals the professional help that they require but may not have become aware of. Educating patients about the risks to the individual and others when consuming excessive amounts of alcohol is also another benefit to screening.
The Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test is also able to highlight problem drinking behaviours for those who would not otherwise come into contact with professional help. Screening can provide a basis for diagnosing other conditions that an individual may be suffering from such as depression. It is also beneficial as a preventative tool to assist in the reduction of alcohol-related risks.
Implementation of AUDIT
Because the Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test is conducted in a hospital or health care setting, it can be implemented in two ways – oral interview or written questionnaire. A person will be informed of the basis for the Test by the health care worker. The worker will inform the client that the questions are being asked to assess whether they are drinking in a way that may affect their health or medications they are being prescribed or to see if they have had any previous problems with alcohol. It is stressed that honesty and accurate information is required so that the best treatment and care can be given and that the information is treated with strict confidence.
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