Alcohol Abuse Advice

Alcoholism Tests

There are many alcoholism tests to help determine if you or a loved one is having an alcohol abuse problem. Some of them are done rapidly under emergency situations while others take a long time to take. If you are concerned about problem drinking, look into taking one of the alcoholism tests that are available.

One of the most respected and often-used alcoholism tests is the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Depending on which version you get, it can have between 22 and 25 questions. These questions go into mundane facts like whether you consider yourself a normal drinker.

MAST also has very serious questions like your legal and medical problems with alcohol. It covers a wide range of topics. It is scored with one point for every yes to a question. The lower your score, the less is your risk for alcoholism. A score of 10 means you have an alcohol abuse problem. Of all alcoholism tests, MAST is lengthy; but it is very accurate, even for adolescents.

The AUDIT test is another of the more accurate alcoholism tests. AUDIT stands for Alcoholism Disorders Identification Test. It has 10 multiple choice questions. The questions deal with your feelings about drinking and your drinking behaviors. It also references them as to time.

A score of 8 or more means you are facing alcohol addiction. It is not as long as MAST, but it is still a longer test than many. However, it is accurate to 94% for both genders and across all ethnic groups represented in the studies.

The CAGE questionnaire is one of the short alcoholism tests that are used in many situations that require quick information. Its name is based upon words of 4 questions. C is for cutting down, asking if you are trying to. A is for annoying, wanting to know if others are annoying you by complaining about your drinking. G is for guilt; do you feel guilty? E is for eye-opener. This is a drink you have first thing in the morning.

The CAGE alcoholism tests are scored with 0 for no and 1 for yes. If your score is 2 or more, it is important to follow up with a doctor for more thorough testing. The problem with CAGE is that it is much more accurate for white middle-aged, middle-class men than it is for any other group. It is not one of the more unbiased alcoholism tests.

Other alcoholism tests are similar to CAGE. One is RAPS4 (Rapid Alcohol Problem Screen). The content is similar, but a different tack is taken. A score of one indicates alcohol abuse. Unlike CAGE, though, it is accurate for both genders and all ethnic groups.

CAGE is also used in other alcoholism tests. In the 5-Shot Questionnaire, there are 3 questions from CAGE and 2 from AUDIT. This test is often used in emergency situations after accidents and falls. The TWEAK alcoholism tests screen for alcohol abuse risk during pregnancy. In these tests, there are three CAGE questions and two others.

With all the alcoholism tests available, you and your doctor should find one that accurately determines your level of alcohol use or abuse. Alcoholism tests are not infallible, but they can be a starting point in an excellent program of recovery.

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