If you visit your GP because you are concerned about your drinking, or you receive treatment for an alcohol-related injury or illness, they are likely to assess the extent of your alcohol misuse.
This is usually done by using a screening test that consists of a series of questions. It is important to be truthful when you answer the questions so that you can receive the right treatment. Your GP will not judge you.
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
One widely used screening test is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). This test involves answering 10 short questions about your drinking habits to help assess the effects it could have on you.
Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST)
The Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) is a simpler test that you can use to check whether your drinking has reached hazardous levels.
FAST consists of four questions which are listed below. The number after each answer is that answer's score.
1. How often do you drink eight or more units (men) or six or more units (women) on one occasion?
- never – if this is your answer you can stop the test
- less than monthly – 1
- monthly – 2
- weekly – 3
- daily or almost daily – 4
2. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
- never – 0
- less than monthly – 1
- monthly – 2
- weekly – 3
- daily or almost daily – 4
3. How often during the past year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because you had been drinking?
- never – 0
- less than monthly – 1
- monthly – 2
- weekly – 3
- daily or almost daily – 4
4. In the last year has a relative or friend, or a doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?
- no – 0
- yes, on one occasion – 1
- yes, on more than one occasion – 2
A FAST score of three or more would usually suggest that you're drinking at a hazardous level.
