Which screening tool is commonly used to assess risk of substance use disorders in adults?

• A. CAGE
• B. AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test)
• C. MAST
• D. DAST

Answer: (B)

Screening for risky drinking patterns in adults is about quickly spotting those who may have or be at risk for an alcohol-use disorder so you can intervene early. The AUDIT is designed exactly for that purpose. It’s a 10-item questionnaire developed by the WHO that asks about how much and how often someone drinks, notes signs of dependence, and flags alcohol-related problems. Because it covers consumption, dependence symptoms, and consequences, it gives a fuller picture of risk than some briefer screens.

That breadth is why it’s commonly used in adult primary care, emergency departments, and various outpatient settings. It provides a straightforward scoring system, with higher scores indicating greater risk and typically guiding the next step—ranging from brief advice to a more thorough assessment or intervention. In contrast, while other tools like CAGE focus mainly on dependence and can miss early hazardous use, and tools like MAST are longer or alcohol-focused, AUDIT offers a balanced, efficient approach to identifying risky alcohol use and potential alcohol use disorders.