What does a score of less than 3 on the AUDIT-C indicate?

A score of less than 3 on the AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise) indicates normal alcohol consumption. The AUDIT-C is a screening tool designed to detect potential alcohol use problems by asking individuals about their drinking patterns. Each response given is allocated a specific score, and a total score less than 3 typically suggests that the individual's alcohol consumption is within safe limits, aligning with lower risk levels for developing alcohol-related issues. Values in this range suggest that the person is not engaging in risky drinking behaviors and is likely to be consuming alcohol within recommended guidelines.

Understanding that scores above this threshold would likely indicate increased risk and a need for further assessment underscores the importance of maintaining healthy drinking habits to prevent possible misuse or addiction.