A 3-question validated screening tool for risky alcohol use. Widely used in Australian general practice and emergency departments.
The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test — Consumption) is a brief validated screening tool derived from the full 10-question AUDIT developed by the WHO. It focuses on three consumption questions and is widely used in primary care, emergency departments, and pre-operative assessments.
Scores range from 0 to 12. The commonly used positive screen threshold is ≥3 for women and ≥4 for men, though thresholds may vary by clinical context. A positive screen indicates the need for further assessment — it does not diagnose alcohol use disorder.
The AUDIT-C has good sensitivity (detecting true positives) for identifying risky drinking and alcohol use disorders, making it an efficient tool for busy clinical settings.
One standard drink in Australia = 10g of pure alcohol. Common examples: a 285mL middy of full-strength beer (~1.1 std drinks), a 100mL glass of wine (~1.0), a 30mL nip of spirits (~1.0), a 375mL stubby of mid-strength beer (~1.0), a 150mL glass of sparkling wine (~1.4).
The number of standard drinks is printed on all alcohol packaging sold in Australia. A typical bottle of wine contains approximately 7–8 standard drinks, and a six-pack of full-strength beer contains about 8.
Your GP can provide confidential advice and refer you to specialist alcohol and drug services if needed.
DirectLine: 1800 888 236 — 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling.
If you're in distress or crisis: Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7) · in an emergency call 000.
Hello Sunday Morning: hellosundaymorning.org — free app for changing your relationship with alcohol.
Counselling Online: counsellingonline.org.au — free, anonymous online support.
For a full directory of support services, visit AskMyGP helplines directory.