The AUDIT Alcohol Consumption Questions (AUDIT-C)An Effective Brief Screening Test for Problem Drinking

Abstract

HEAVY DRINKING and alcohol abuse and/or dependence are common among primary care patients,^1-3 and result in considerable suffering,^4-6 mortality,^4,5,7,8 and economic costs.⁹ The risk of alcohol-related psychosocial, legal, and economic problems increases when drinking exceeds 14 drinks a week or 5 or more drinks per occasion for men.^10,11 Referral to specialized alcohol treatment is effective for alcohol-dependent patients.^12,13 Over the last 10 years, primary care interventions with heavy-drinking men have been shown to decrease consumption, blood pressure, levels of serum γ-glutamyl transferase, and days hospitalized.^14-17