What is the AUDIT score threshold that indicates risky drinking requiring brief intervention in adults?

• A. A score of 4 or higher suggests hazardous or harmful drinking.
• B. A score of 8 or higher suggests hazardous or harmful drinking.
• C. A score of 12 or higher suggests hazardous or harmful drinking.
• D. A score of 15 or higher suggests hazardous or harmful drinking.

Answer: (B)

The main point here is how the AUDIT screening uses a defined cut-off score to flag risky drinking in adults. The total score from the questionnaire represents both how often and how much someone drinks, plus any related problems they’ve experienced. When that total reaches the standard screening threshold, it signals hazardous or harmful drinking and indicates that a brief intervention is appropriate to help reduce risk. This threshold is chosen because it balances catching those at risk (sensitivity) with not over-identifying low-risk individuals (specificity). If you used a higher threshold, some people who could benefit from early advice might be missed; if you used a lower threshold, too many people without meaningful risk could be flagged. The correct option reflects that standard cut-off point that triggers brief intervention.