Using Screening Questionnaires

One established method for detecting people with risky drinking habits is that of using a standard questionnaire. Many questionnaires have been designed to screen for alcohol dependence, but only a few have been devised specifically to detect people who drink at a risky level who may be non-dependent. A comprehensive list of the available instruments for research use has been published (see Review of the Evidence and Appendix). 

Although none have been evaluated in relation to the current NHMRC guidelines, the recommended instruments are the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or related versions, such as AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3.