Screening for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Screening is done to find a problem and treat it early. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at high risk.

The doctor will ask questions about alcohol use during routine physical exams. This information will be used to identify whether a person is using alcohol in an unhealthy way.

References:

Alcohol use disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-use-disorder. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Day E, Copello A, Hull M. Assessment and management of alcohol use disorders. BMJ. 2015 Feb 19;350:h715.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Screening tests. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. Available at: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh28-2/78-79.htm. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 2/19/2021

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