AUDIT-C PDF Download
AUDIT Consumption Questions
Ultra-brief 3-question version of AUDIT for rapid alcohol screening.
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Catch early warning signs before the next session
The AUDIT-C is the most commonly used brief alcohol screen in primary care
When to Use the AUDIT-C
AUDIT-C Scoring Guide (Score Range: 0-12)
| Score | Severity Level | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 (M) / 0-2 (F) | Low risk | No intervention |
| 4+ (M) / 3+ (F) | Positive screen | Full AUDIT recommended |
Key Features of the AUDIT-C
- Ultra-brief (3 questions)
- Gender-specific cutoffs
- High sensitivity
What the AUDIT-C Actually Measures
The AUDIT-C captures the 'C' in AUDIT—Consumption. These three items assess drinking frequency, typical quantity, and binge drinking frequency. It's designed for rapid screening in busy clinical settings where the full AUDIT isn't feasible.
Drinking Frequency (Item 1)
How often alcohol is consumed—daily drinking is concerning regardless of quantity
Typical Quantity (Item 2)
Number of drinks on a typical drinking day—key for assessing dose-related health risks
Binge Frequency (Item 3)
How often 6+ drinks are consumed at once—binge pattern is particularly harmful to health
What Scores Actually Mean in Practice
Low-risk drinking or abstinence. No intervention needed. Reinforce healthy choices.
"I drink occasionally at social events, never more than one or two."
Positive screen indicates possible hazardous drinking. Administer full AUDIT to determine severity and appropriate intervention level.
"I probably drink more than I realize when I actually count it up. Maybe 3-4 times a week."
High consumption pattern suggesting hazardous or harmful use. Skip to intervention even without full AUDIT. Assess dependence symptoms.
"I drink most days, usually several drinks. I don't always plan to drink that much, it just happens."
Maximum scores indicate very heavy consumption. High likelihood of dependence. Requires comprehensive assessment and specialized treatment referral.
"I drink every day, usually 6 or more drinks. I can't really imagine not drinking."
Common Misinterpretations
A negative AUDIT-C rules out alcohol problems
The AUDIT-C only measures consumption, not consequences. Someone drinking within limits may still have alcohol-related problems (DUI, relationship issues) not captured by consumption alone.
The same cutoffs apply to everyone
Women have lower cutoffs (3+) due to biological differences in alcohol metabolism. Older adults, those with liver disease, or on interacting medications may need even lower thresholds.
The AUDIT-C is adequate for patients with known alcohol problems
For patients already identified with alcohol issues, the full AUDIT provides more useful treatment planning information. AUDIT-C is for screening, not treatment monitoring.
Patients will accurately report consumption
Underreporting is common. If clinical suspicion is high despite negative screen, trust your clinical judgment. Ask about largest amount consumed, not just typical amount.
A positive AUDIT-C means the patient needs specialized treatment
Many positive screens (scores 3-7) respond well to brief intervention in primary care. Reserve specialty referral for high scores, failed brief intervention, or suspected dependence.
What High AUDIT-C Scores Mean for Follow-up
The AUDIT-C is typically used in primary care or general settings, not specialty treatment. High scores identify patients who need follow-up, but engagement strategies differ from specialty treatment retention.
Key Retention Strategies:
- AUDIT-C is a gateway to intervention—the real retention challenge is engaging patients in follow-up after screening
- Patients often minimize consumption; if the score surprises them, use it as a conversation starter, not a confrontation
- Brief intervention (5-15 minutes of advice) is effective for scores in the hazardous range
- Schedule a follow-up specifically to discuss alcohol—don't rely on the patient to raise it
- Frame feedback around health risks, not moral judgment—liver disease, blood pressure, medication interactions
- Resistance to discussing alcohol suggests ambivalence, not hopelessness—explore it with curiosity
- Patients who score positive repeatedly without change may need escalation to specialty care
- Document and revisit AUDIT-C at subsequent visits—tracking changes reinforces importance and progress
Frequently Asked Questions About the AUDIT-C
What is the AUDIT-C?
The AUDIT-C is a 3-item brief alcohol screening tool derived from the full AUDIT. It focuses on alcohol consumption patterns.
What score is positive on the AUDIT-C?
For men, a score of 4+ is positive. For women, a score of 3+ is positive. Positive screens should be followed by the full AUDIT.
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