AUDIT-C (alcohol screen)
Brief alcohol-use screen (3 items, 0–12).
What it is for
Routine screening. Positive → full AUDIT-10.
Use the working calculator
The working AUDIT-C (alcohol screen) calculator is on our calculators page. It is free and needs no account. Enter the values and it shows the result with the reading that goes with it.
The calculators are free. The trial opens the protocols and pathways they link to.What you enter
The calculator asks for 3 items.
- 1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?Options: Never; Monthly or less; 2–4 / month; 2–3 / week; 4+ / week
- 2. How many drinks on a typical day when you are drinking?Options: 1–2; 3–4; 5–6; 7–9; 10+
- 3. How often have you had 6+ drinks on one occasion?Options: Never; Less than monthly; Monthly; Weekly; Daily / almost daily
How the result is read
The result is shown as AUDIT-C, out of a maximum of 12.
The calculator reads each total as follows. Where a single answer changes the reading (for example sex, age or one extreme value), the working calculator says so.
| Total | Band | What the calculator says |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Low risk | No further action. Re-screen annually. |
| 5 to 7 | Increasing risk | Complete full AUDIT-10. Brief advice + AUDIT-10. ≥ 8 on AUDIT-10 triggers structured intervention. |
| 8 to 10 | Higher risk | Structured brief intervention; consider referral. AUDIT-10 + alcohol service referral. |
| 11 to 12 | Probable dependence | Refer alcohol service. Plan for assisted withdrawal. Do NOT advise abrupt cessation without medical supervision (withdrawal seizure risk). |
Sources
These are the sources the calculator cites. Check the current version before relying on a threshold.
Related
For qualified clinicians. A score supports a clinical decision and does not make it: check the inputs, read the cited source, and use the tools in your clinical system for patient care where one is provided.