AUDIT-C

Bush K, Kivlahan DR, McDonell MB, Fihn SD, Bradley KA. The AUDIT alcohol consumption questions (AUDIT-C): an effective brief screening test for problem drinking. The first three AUDIT items (frequency, typical quantity, frequency of heavy episodes), each 0–4, performed comparably to the full AUDIT for detecting heavy drinking and active alcohol use disorder.

Widely used in primary care and the VA. Common cut-points: ≥ 4 for men and ≥ 3 for women identify unhealthy alcohol use; ≥ 8 suggests a high-risk drinking pattern or dependence. A positive screen should prompt a brief assessment and, where indicated, a brief intervention.