How to proceed when a person answers “yes” to one of the Audit screen

Sample Solution

If a person answers "yes" to one of the AUDIT screen questions, it is important to follow up with additional questions to gather more information about their drinking habits. This will help to better assess the person's risk of alcohol use disorder and to develop an appropriate intervention plan.

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that can be asked:

• How often do you drink alcohol?
• How much alcohol do you typically drink on a day when you drink?
• Have you ever felt like you needed to cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

Full Answer Section

• Have you ever felt guilty or remorseful about your drinking?
• Have you ever drunk alcohol first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (eye-opener)?
• Have you found that you couldn't remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
• Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
• Has a relative or friend, doctor, or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

It is important to ask these questions in a non-judgmental way and to create a safe and supportive environment for the person to answer honestly. It is also important to remember that the AUDIT screen is just one tool for assessing alcohol use disorder. It is not a definitive diagnosis, and a more comprehensive assessment may be needed to determine if the person has an alcohol use disorder and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Recommendations for next steps after the screening is conducted:

• If the person's answers to the follow-up questions indicate that they are at low risk for alcohol use disorder, you may want to provide them with information about healthy drinking habits and resources for support.
• If the person's answers to the follow-up questions indicate that they are at moderate or high risk for alcohol use disorder, you may want to refer them to a healthcare professional for further assessment and treatment.

Here are some examples of what you can say to the person after the screening:

• "Tell me more about how often you drink alcohol."
• "Is this a concern to you or anyone in your family?"
• "I've noticed that you answered yes to a few of the questions about your drinking. I'm concerned that you may be at risk for alcohol use disorder. I'd be happy to provide you with more information about healthy drinking habits and resources for support."
• "Based on your answers to the questions, I think it would be a good idea for you to see a healthcare professional for further assessment and treatment. I can refer you to a specialist if you'd like."

It is important to remember that everyone is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to alcohol use disorder. The best way to proceed is to work with the person to develop a personalized intervention plan that meets their individual needs.