Caroline Beidler, MSW is an author, speaker, and the Managing Editor of Recovery.com. She writes about topics related to addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery, informed by her personal experience and professional expertise.
Caroline Beidler, MSW is an author, speaker, and the Managing Editor of Recovery.com. She writes about topics related to addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery, informed by her personal experience and professional expertise.
Have you ever wondered if your drinking is “normal” or something more serious?
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to understand the line between casual alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD)—especially when drinking is so normalized in social settings.
Important Note: This tool is not a medical diagnosis. It is meant to offer insight and spark reflection. If you’re concerned about your results or symptoms, speak with a qualified health care provider or mental health professional.
Not all alcohol-related issues look the same. Some people binge drink occasionally and brush it off. Others drink daily but believe it’s under control. However, both patterns may signal something deeper, especially if the behavior continues despite negative consequences.
This questionnaire can help you:
It’s not about shame or judgment—it’s about clarity. And with clarity comes choice.
Whether or not you’ve taken a formal test, there are signs that your relationship with alcohol may be affecting your health and well-being.
Common red flags include:
These patterns may suggest more than just heavy drinking. They may reflect an alcohol use disorder, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Alcohol doesn’t just affect your behavior. It can also impact your health on nearly every level. From your brain and liver to your heart and immune system, long-term or heavy drinking can lead to serious health problems, including:
For people with an existing substance use disorder or mental health challenges, alcohol often worsens symptoms and makes treatment options more complex.
A high score doesn’t mean you’re broken or beyond help—it means you may benefit from support, evaluation, or intervention. Consider taking the following steps:
This self-assessment is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t replace personalized care. Here’s what it offers—and what it doesn’t:
It can:
It can’t:
That’s why pairing this tool with guidance from healthcare professionals is the best path forward.
Consider taking the test if you:
Early action can prevent long-term harm and make healing easier.
Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some benefit from residential rehab, while others thrive in outpatient care or with community support. The most effective alcohol treatment is:
Remember, asking for help is not a weakness. It’s the beginning of reclaiming your life. The line between social drinking and alcohol addiction can be blurry—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re taking this test out of curiosity, concern, or crisis, it’s a meaningful step toward better health, awareness, and healing.
Your results don’t define you—but they can guide you.
A: The alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) is backed by global research and used by healthcare professionals as a reliable screening tool. While not diagnostic, it gives meaningful insight into your relationship with alcohol.
A: Yes. Binge drinking, occasional blackouts, or regular episodes of loss of control can still indicate a substance use disorder, even if you don’t drink daily.
A: Alcohol-related consequences don’t always feel immediate. A high score may mean you’re at risk of developing health problems or alcohol dependence over time. It’s worth speaking to a healthcare provider for more insight.
A: No. The goal is to help you understand how alcohol affects your life—so you can make informed choices. Some people reduce drinking, others stop entirely, and some seek professional help.
A: If you experience sweating, shakiness, anxiety, or seizures after stopping alcohol, seek medical help immediately. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and should be managed by professionals.
A: Yes—but it’s best to offer the test with compassion, not pressure. Let them know you’re coming from a place of concern, and encourage them to review the results with a professional if they’re open to it.
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