What is classified as moderate risk for alcohol use disorder on the AUDIT-10?

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-10) is a screening tool used to assess alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems. A score of 5-10 on the AUDIT-10 indicates moderate risk for alcohol use disorder. Individuals in this range may begin to experience negative consequences related to their alcohol use, such as social, occupational, or health issues.

This moderate risk category suggests that further assessment or intervention may be needed to help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption or address any emerging problems. Typically, individuals with scores in this range are encouraged to reflect on their drinking patterns and consider making changes, possibly with support.

On the other hand, lower scores (for instance, 0-4) indicate low risk, while higher scores (11-15) generally represent a higher level of concern for potential alcohol abuse, and scores of 16 and above indicate a high risk for severe alcohol use disorder. Thus, the range of 5-10 effectively identifies a midpoint where intervention may be beneficial.