Your answers place you in the “increasing risk” category. This means your drinking has moved above recommended levels and is likely affecting your health – even if you don’t feel it yet.
What this score means
A score of 8-15 on the AUDIT indicates hazardous alcohol use. You’re drinking enough that:
- Your risk of liver disease, heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke is elevated
- Your mental health may be affected (alcohol is a depressant and worsens anxiety and depression over time)
- You may be developing tolerance – needing more to feel the same effect – which is the precursor to dependence
- Other areas of your life may be starting to be affected: sleep quality, energy, relationships, work performance
You’re not alone in this
Around 26% of adults in England drink at increasing-risk levels. It’s the most common drinking pattern that leads to later problems – and it’s also the easiest stage to change course.
What we’d recommend
- Track your actual intake for one week. Most people at this level significantly underestimate how much they’re drinking. The Drinkaware unit calculator can help.
- Try alcohol-free days. If you find this difficult, that tells you something important about where your relationship with alcohol stands.
- Call our advice line. A brief, confidential conversation about your drinking can help you understand what level of support – if any – would benefit you.
- Consider whether you’d benefit from support. This doesn’t mean rehab – it could be counselling, an online programme, or a structured self-help approach like SMART Recovery.
Want to talk it through
This assessment is based on the AUDIT, a clinically validated screening tool. It is not a medical diagnosis.
Everything you’ve shared is completely confidential. Our advice line is free and staffed by trained professionals.
