What does a score of 8 or higher on the AUDIT test indicate?

A score of 8 or higher on the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) indicates harmful alcohol consumption. The AUDIT is a screening tool designed to assess an individual's alcohol consumption patterns and potential alcohol-related problems. A score in this range suggests that an individual may be engaging in harmful drinking behaviors that could lead to negative health and social consequences.

It is important to recognize that harmful alcohol consumption encompasses more than just alcohol dependence; it also includes patterns of drinking that may not meet the criteria for dependence but still pose significant risks to an individual's health and well-being. This score prompts the need for further evaluation and potential intervention to address these consumption patterns and mitigate potential harm.

In contrast, lower scores would indicate either no or low-risk alcohol consumption, highlighting the AUDIT's effectiveness in differentiating between varying levels of risk associated with alcohol use.