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AUDIT-C Alcohol Screening Questionnaire

Screen alcohol use with the three AUDIT-C questions. A score of 5 or more is positive.

By Dr Amer Sheikh, GP Updated 17 October 2026 Clinical review pending

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What is AUDIT-C?

The first three questions of the WHO AUDIT. They cover how often someone drinks, how much, and how often they binge.

Interpretation

ScoreResult
0–4Screen negative: feedback on low-risk drinking
5 or moreScreen positive: complete the full AUDIT

UK low-risk advice is no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days.

Frequently asked questions

What AUDIT-C score is positive?

5 or more out of 12.

What do I do with a positive AUDIT-C?

Complete the remaining seven AUDIT questions to grade risk, and offer brief advice.

What is the UK low-risk drinking guideline?

No more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days.

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References

  1. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. Alcohol use screening tests. gov.uk

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