What does an AUDIT-C score of 8 mean?

A score of 8 or higher (out of 12) suggests a strong likelihood of alcohol dependence, and speaking with a doctor about treatment options, including medically supervised withdrawal if needed, is strongly recommended.

Is it dangerous to stop drinking suddenly?

For people who drink heavily and regularly, yes — alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious or even life-threatening, so medical supervision is strongly recommended before stopping abruptly.

What does 'sober curious' mean?

It describes exploring reduced or no alcohol use without necessarily identifying as having a problem — a lower-pressure way for many people to re-examine their relationship with drinking.

14.5M Americans have alcohol use disorder →

Understand your alcohol use, honestly.

Whether you're just curious or genuinely concerned, the validated AUDIT-C screener can help clarify where your drinking falls and what — if anything — makes sense as a next step.

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Understanding alcohol use and recovery options

From your screening result to withdrawal safety and sober curious content.

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AUDIT-C Screener

The validated clinical screening tool.

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Alcohol Withdrawal Safety

Why medical supervision matters.

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Sober Curious Movement

Exploring less drinking without a label.

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Alcohol-Free Alternatives

Mocktails and non-alcoholic options.

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SMART Recovery

A science-based alternative to 12-step.

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Choosing a Rehab Program

What to look for in alcohol treatment.

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AUDIT-C Alcohol Use Screener

Answer these three validated clinical screening questions honestly for the most accurate result.

How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

How many drinks do you have on a typical day when drinking?

How often do you have 6 or more drinks on one occasion?

Your AUDIT-C result

Answer the questions and tap Calculate my score for your personalized result.

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The essentials

14.5 million Americans have alcohol use disorder — and AUDIT-C makes screening accessible

Alcohol remains the most common substance use disorder in the US, yet many people never get a clear, honest read on where their own drinking falls until a validated screening tool like AUDIT-C makes it accessible.

AUDIT-C is quick and clinically validated

Just three questions about frequency, quantity, and binge patterns provide a reasonably reliable picture of alcohol use severity.

Withdrawal safety is a serious, often overlooked issue

For people who drink heavily and regularly, stopping abruptly without medical supervision can carry real health risks — a fact that's often underappreciated.

The sober curious movement has expanded the conversation

Increasingly, people are exploring reduced drinking without needing to identify with a formal 'alcohol use disorder' label, broadening who engages with this topic.

Key takeaway

AUDIT-C offers an accessible, validated way to understand your own alcohol use severity, and whether your score points toward lower risk, hazardous use, or dependence, there's a range of evidence-based next steps available.

Helpful next steps

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This content is for general educational purposes only. AUDIT-C is a validated screening tool, not a diagnosis — a doctor or addiction specialist can provide a full clinical assessment.

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The Alcohol Use and Recovery Guide

A free PDF covering AUDIT-C screening, withdrawal safety, sober curious living, and choosing a rehab program.

Understanding the AUDIT-C screener
Alcohol withdrawal safety guide
The sober curious movement
SMART Recovery explained
Choosing an alcohol rehab program