Your answers strongly suggest that you may be physically and/or psychologically dependent on alcohol. This is the highest risk category on the AUDIT, and it requires professional attention.
Please read this carefully
What this score means
A score of 20 or above indicates a pattern consistent with alcohol dependence – a medical condition where your body and brain have adapted to regular alcohol to the point where functioning without it is difficult, uncomfortable, or dangerous. At this level:
- Physical withdrawal is likely if you stop or significantly reduce drinking. Symptoms range from shaking, sweating, and anxiety to seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs). Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.
- Your physical health is at serious risk. Liver damage, pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, and immune system suppression are all associated with this level of drinking.
- Mental health is deeply affected. Depression, anxiety, memory problems, and cognitive decline are common – and while some improve after stopping, others require separate treatment.
- Daily life is significantly impacted. Relationships, work, finances, and self-care are all affected at this stage.
What needs to happen
- Do NOT stop drinking suddenly. At your level of drinking, abrupt cessation can trigger life-threatening withdrawal. You need medical supervision to stop safely.
- A medically supervised detox is the recommended first step. This involves medication to prevent seizures and manage withdrawal symptoms, medical monitoring, and nutritional support. Detox can be done at home (with a visiting nurse) or in a residential clinic.
- After detox, ongoing treatment is essential to address the underlying patterns. Without it, the relapse rate within 3 months exceeds 80%. Options include residential rehab, outpatient therapy, counselling, and support groups.
- Call us today. Taking the first step is the hardest part – our team can talk you through your options and arrange support quickly.
We can arrange detox quickly
DetoxPlus organises medically supervised alcohol detox throughout the UK – often within 24-48 hours. We’ll help you find the right approach for your situation, budget, and circumstances.
Immediate help:
- Emergency: Call 999
- Urgent medical advice: Call 111
This assessment is based on the AUDIT, a clinically validated screening tool used by the WHO. A high score is not a formal diagnosis, but it is a strong indicator that professional assessment is needed.
Everything you’ve shared is completely confidential. Our advice line is free and staffed by trained professionals.
