MatchyMatch

Free Alcohol Use Test (AUDIT)

Check your drinking with the WHO's 10-item screener — free, anonymous, and instant. About 5 minutes.

The AUDIT — developed by the World Health Organization, used widely in NHS primary care

Start the test now

AUDIT — Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

The AUDIT is a 10-item screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to identify people whose drinking has become hazardous or harmful. Scores from 0-40 fall into four risk zones (low / hazardous / harmful / possible dependence) and inform whether brief advice, specialist support, or referral is appropriate.

  • 10 clinically validated questions across 3 dimensions
  • Takes about 5 minutes to complete
  • 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
  • Instant results with NHS-aligned guidance
  • Used by NHS primary care, occupational health and addiction services
  • WHO recognises hazardous/harmful drinking as a major preventable health risk
Babor, T. F., Higgins-Biddle, J. C., Saunders, J. B., & Monteiro, M. G. (2001). AUDIT — The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. World Health Organization.

About the online AUDIT

The AUDIT is one of the most widely used and best validated alcohol screeners in the world. The NHS uses it routinely in primary care, mental health services, and occupational health to spot hazardous and harmful drinking early.

This free version uses the standard 10-item AUDIT. You answer how often you drink, how much you drink in a typical session, and whether your drinking has caused problems for you or others over the last year. You then get a total score, a WHO risk zone, and a breakdown across the three dimensions.

Time

5 minutes

Questions

10 questions

Score

0-40 (4 WHO zones)

Validation

World Health Organization

Important: This test does not provide a diagnosis. It is a screening tool that helps you understand whether your drinking patterns warrant a closer look. In a crisis, call Samaritans on 116 123 or NHS 111.

Why take the AUDIT?

A clear picture of your drinking

See not just whether your drinking is risky, but where exactly the risk lies — consumption, dependence, or problems

Instant, anonymous result

No email, no waiting, no account

NHS-aligned guidance

Concrete next steps based on your WHO risk zone, including NHS and Drinkline signposting

Track changes over time

Useful when cutting down, recovering, or after stressful life events

What does the AUDIT measure?

The AUDIT captures alcohol use across 3 core dimensions.

Consumption

How often, how much, and how often you binge drink

Symptoms of dependence

Loss of control, neglected duties, morning drinking

Alcohol-related problems

Guilt, blackouts, injuries, and concern from others

Sample questions from the AUDIT

A small preview of what you'll be asked.

Consumption

How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

Consumption

How many units of alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

Consumption

How often do you have six or more units on one occasion?

Dependence

How often during the last year have you been unable to stop drinking once you started?

Problems

Have you or someone else been injured because of your drinking?

Frequently asked questions

What is the AUDIT alcohol test?+
The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is a 10-item screening tool developed by the World Health Organization. It identifies people whose drinking has become hazardous or harmful, and is widely used in NHS primary care.
How long does the AUDIT take?+
About 5 minutes. The 10 questions ask how often you drink, how much you drink in a typical session, and whether your drinking has caused problems for you or others over the last year. Results are shown instantly.
Is the alcohol test free and anonymous?+
Yes — it is 100% free and anonymous. We do not ask for your name, email, or any personal details to show you your results.
How is the AUDIT score interpreted?+
Scores range from 0 to 40 across four WHO zones: 0-7 = low risk, 8-15 = hazardous (risky) drinking, 16-19 = harmful drinking, 20-40 = possible dependence. The higher the score, the stronger the signal that your drinking warrants attention.
What counts as a "unit" of alcohol in the UK?+
One unit ≈ 10 ml (8 g) of pure alcohol. Roughly: a small (125 ml) glass of wine, half a pint of ordinary-strength beer or cider, or a single 25 ml measure of spirits. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend no more than 14 units per week, spread over 3 or more days.
What should I do if I score high on the AUDIT?+
If you score 8 or above, consider speaking with your GP — they can refer you to NHS alcohol services or give brief intervention advice. You can also call Drinkline (free, confidential): 0300 123 1110. On MatchyMatch you can find verified UK therapists who specialise in addictions and book a free 15-minute discovery call.
Can the AUDIT diagnose alcohol dependence?+
No — the AUDIT is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Even a high score is a signal to seek a full assessment, not a diagnosis. A GP, addictions specialist, or psychotherapist registered with HCPC, BACP, BPS or UKCP can do a proper evaluation.
Should I retake the AUDIT over time?+
Yes — many people retake it monthly to monitor change, especially during cut-down attempts, recovery, or after stressful life events.

Ready to take the AUDIT?

5 minutes. Anonymous. Free. Instant results with NHS-aligned guidance.

Start the AUDIT