Understand your relationship with alcohol

Drinking check

How's your relationship with alcohol? Take our free online Drinking Check to receive personalised results and guidance and discover more about your drinking.

3 minutes

What is the Drinking Check and why should I take it?

The Drinking Check is an alcohol test that has been developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is called the alcohol-use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and is made up of 10 multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of your alcohol consumption and behaviours.

The AUDIT doesn’t just look at how often and how much you drink, it also takes into account any negative consequences you have experienced because of drinking. Find out more about AUDIT and how it works.

If you’re ensure about taking the Drinking Check, or want to know more, see our list of FAQs below.

Alcohol Test FAQs

What is the AUDIT and how does it work?

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a simple screening tool designed to help people identify potential alcohol-related problems. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s widely used around the world by healthcare professionals as a standardised way to assess how much alcohol you drink and the potential risk of alcohol-related problems. 
 
The AUDIT is a questionnaire with 10 multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of your alcohol consumption, such as:  

  • How often you drink alcohol and how much you drink. For example, how many alcohol units you drink on a typical drinking day    

  • Whether you have any symptoms of alcohol dependence. Like not being able to stop drinking after starting, or needing a drink in the morning  

  • Whether you have experienced negative consequences because of drinking. This includes things like being unable to remember what happened the night before, or being injured 

Based on the version of AUDIT used in the UK, a total score of:  

  • 0 to 7 indicates lower risk  

  • 8 to 15 indicates increasing risk  

  • 16 to 19 indicates higher risk  

  • 20 or more indicates possible dependence 

What will be in my results?

After completing the quiz, you will receive your risk level (lower, increasing, high or possible dependence) and what this means for your health. You will be provided with personalised support and advice depending on your alcohol risk level which could include tips or advice on how to cut down, or alcohol support services if you need.

How long does the Drinking Check take to fill out?

The Drinking Check takes just 2-3 minutes to complete. It’s short, easy, and gives you personalised feedback on your drinking.

What are the weekly low-risk guidelines for drinking alcohol?

To keep your health risks low, the UK Chief Medical Officers’ advice is to drink no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days, with several drink-free days and no bingeing.

Am I drinking too much?

If you often feel tired, anxious, or struggle with sleep, alcohol might be playing a bigger role than you realise. Drinking more than the recommended guidelines can affect your mood, energy, and both your physical and mental health.

Taking the Drinking Check can help you understand your current drinking habits and give you personalised advice.

What can I do if I'm concerned I'm drinking too much?

If you’re worried about your drinking, you’re not alone and it’s a positive first step to recognise it. If you think you could be drinking too much, there are different types of support available. You may not be sure if you need support with your drinking, but we can help you with that.

We’ve got practical tips and tools to help you cut back in a way that works for you. Find out how to start reducing your drinking or explore the many ways that you can access support.

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Help to reduce your drinking

Looking to reduce your drinking? We’ve got plenty of tips and advice to help you on your way and keep you motivated.

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