Alcohol : Screening for dependence and severity

Alcohol screening and dependence severity questionnaires are essential tools in the healthcare setting, where they play a crucial role in the early identification and management of alcohol misuse and dependence. These questionnaires are designed to swiftly and accurately assess an individual's alcohol consumption patterns, identify potentially harmful drinking behaviours, and determine the severity of alcohol dependence. This is particularly important in primary care, where early detection can lead to more effective interventions and support.

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a widely recognized screening tool used to assess the nature and severity of alcohol misuse. Developed by the World Health Organization, the AUDIT questionnaire is a simple, quick, and effective method for identifying individuals who are at risk of alcohol-related problems.

AUDIT Score Range	Interpretation	Recommended Action
0-7	Low-risk	General advice on safe alcohol consumption.
8-15	Increasing risk	Simple advice, brief counseling, and monitoring.
16-19	Higher risk	Brief counseling and further diagnostic evaluation.
20 or more	Possible dependence	Consider more extensive diagnostic evaluation and treatment, and refer to specialist for further assessment.

Clinicians should use clinical judgment to decide if AUDIT cut-offs need to be revised downwards for increased sensitivity when screening specific populations, such as women (including...

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