skip to main content
Ask New Question

How should I complete and interpret the full AUDIT questionnaire?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP.

Posted: 7 October 2026Updated: 7 October 2026 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed

Administration

Your AUDIT-C of 9 and AUDIT-PC of 12 both exceed the positive-screen threshold of 5, so complete the full AUDIT rather than applying full-AUDIT risk bands to these abbreviated scores . Conduct the assessment privately, using a non-judgemental approach that respects confidentiality and dignity . Ask all 10 questions, retaining the specified timeframes: questions 3–8 refer to the last year, while questions 9–10 distinguish events within the last year from earlier events .

Questions and scoring — UK unit-based AUDIT

  • 1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol? Never = 0; monthly or less = 1; 2–4 times a month = 2; 2–3 times a week = 3; 4 or more times a week = 4 1.
  • 2. How many units do you drink on a typical drinking day? 0–2 = 0; 3–4 = 1; 5–6 = 2; 7–9 = 3; 10 or more = 4 1.
  • 3. How often in the last year have you had 6 or more units if female, or 8 or more if male, on one occasion? Never = 0; less than monthly = 1; monthly = 2; weekly = 3; daily or almost daily = 4 1.
  • 4. How often in the last year have you been unable to stop drinking once you started? Use the same 0–4 frequency scoring as question 3 1.
  • 5. How often in the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking? Use the same 0–4 frequency scoring as question 3 1.
  • 6. How often in the last year have you needed an alcoholic drink in the morning to get going after a heavy drinking session? Use the same 0–4 frequency scoring as question 3 1.
  • 7. How often in the last year have you felt guilt or remorse after drinking? Use the same 0–4 frequency scoring as question 3 1.
  • 8. How often in the last year have you been unable to remember the previous night because you had been drinking? Use the same 0–4 frequency scoring as question 3 1.
  • 9. Have you or somebody else been injured because of your drinking? No = 0; yes, but not in the last year = 2; yes, during the last year = 4 1.
  • 10. Has a relative, friend, doctor or health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested cutting down? No = 0; yes, but not in the last year = 2; yes, during the last year = 4 1.

Add all 10 scores to obtain a total out of 40; questions 9 and 10 use only scores of 0, 2 or 4 1.

Interpretation and next steps

  • 0–7: low risk .
  • 8–15: increasing risk .
  • 16–19: higher risk .
  • 20–40: possible dependence, requiring further assessment rather than treating the score as a confirmed diagnosis .

Use clinical judgement to consider lower cut-offs in women, including those pregnant or planning pregnancy, people aged 65 or older, and some black and minority ethnic groups; seek specialist advice if interpretation or language suitability is uncertain .

If dependence is suggested, assess severity with SADQ or LDQ alongside clinical assessment, including dependence features and withdrawal symptoms . Arrange specialist treatment when dependence features are present, particularly moderate or severe dependence, or when there is severe alcohol-related impairment or comorbidity . Acute withdrawal or high risk of withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens warrants hospital admission for immediate medically assisted withdrawal .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.