The AUDIT-C is a three-question screening tool derived from the World Health Organization’s AUDIT, designed to assess alcohol consumption patterns and identify individuals at risk for hazardous drinking or alcohol use disorders (Bush et al., 1998). It evaluates:
- Frequency of alcohol consumption.
- Quantity of alcohol consumed on a typical drinking day.
- Frequency of heavy drinking (six or more standard drinks on one occasion).
Each question is scored from 0 to 4, yielding a total score of 0–12. Scores of =4 for men or =3 for women indicate risky drinking, warranting a brief intervention or further assessment. The AUDIT-C is quick to administer (1–2 minutes), non-invasive, and suitable for primary care, emergency departments, or community health settings. It relies on self-reported data, requiring individuals to understand standard drink measurements, as depicted in the SBIRT Assessment Tool’s Standard Drink Reference section.