15 Questions – Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test – Alcohol Abuse Symptoms

The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) is a common way to find people who have a problem with drinking too much. It is a question test that looks at a person’s drinking habits, behaviour, and the effects of drinking to see if they are abusing alcohol and how bad it is. Dr John Ewing at the University of Michigan made the test in the 1970s. It has been used a lot in both clinical and research settings.

Why it’s used: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MAST) is used to screen for the potential development of alcohol use disorder (AUD), often known as alcoholism. In addition to its applicability in primary care clinics, hospitals, and scientific investigations, the test’s rapidity and simplicity of administration make it ideal for usage in these and other contexts. For doctors and other medical staff, the Mini-Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is an invaluable resource for determining which individuals may be at risk for alcohol use disorder and may benefit from further assessment and treatment. A better treatment result is possible when alcohol use disorders are diagnosed and treated early on, before they progress to a more severe form. The test also gives a baseline assessment of alcohol usage that may be used to track improvement over time.

A positive score on the MAST does not automatically indicate alcohol use disorder. When making a diagnosis, the test findings should be considered with information gleaned from a comprehensive clinical evaluation and patient interview.

The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST)

1. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?
   a. Yes
   b. No
2. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
   a. Yes
   b. No
3. Has your drinking ever created problems between you and your family or friends?
   a. Yes
   b. No
4. Have you ever gotten into physical fights when drinking?
   a. Yes
   b. No
5. Have you ever been arrested for drunkenness or driving under the influence?
   a. Yes
   b. No
6. Have you ever felt you needed to cut down on your drinking?
   a. Yes
   b. No
7. Have you ever gotten a DUI?
   a. Yes
   b. No
8. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
   a. Yes
   b. No
9. Have you ever had DTs, seizures or other physical withdrawal symptoms when you stopped drinking?
   a. Yes
   b. No
10. Have you ever had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want?
    a. Yes
    b. No
11. Have you ever had friends or relatives worried about your drinking?
    a. Yes
    b. No
12. Have you ever gone to anyone for help about your drinking?
    a. Yes
    b. No
13. Have you ever been in a hospital because of drinking?
    a. Yes
    b. No
14. Have you ever been a patient in a psychiatric hospital, or on a psychiatric ward of a general hospital, because of drinking?
    a. Yes
    b. No
15. Have you ever been seen by a doctor, psychologist, or other professional because of your drinking?
    a. Yes
    b. No

It’s worth noting that this is merely a practise exam for the MAST, and that the real test may have different phrasing and/or a different amount of questions. The severity of an alcohol consumption problem is generally measured by summing the results of many such questions. To be clear, a single score cannot and should not be used to diagnose alcoholism. A comprehensive clinical evaluation and interview by a healthcare expert is still necessary for an accurate diagnosis to be made.

How Scores Are Calculated – Alcohol Abuse Symptoms

The severity of alcohol use disorder is measured by a score on the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). After an examination, a grade is given to each question.

For questions 1-15, the scores for each answer option are as follows:

1. Yes = 1
2. No = 0

The total score is obtained by adding up the scores for each question.

The total score can be interpreted as follows:

0-2: minimal alcohol use disorder

3-4: mild alcohol use disorder

5-9: moderate alcohol use disorder

10 or more: severe alcohol use disorder

Conclusion – Alcohol Abuse Test

A better treatment result may be achieved and the severity of alcohol consumption disorder can be mitigated if the illness is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Without treatment, alcohol use disorder worsens over time, posing major health risks and potentially fatal ones. A better quality of life, less strain on healthcare systems, and the prevention of more severe types of alcohol use disorder are all possible outcomes of early detection and intervention.

Urge those who think they have an alcohol problem to get treatment, people who have any suspicions that they have an alcohol problem should get help. A medical doctor or other healthcare expert may evaluate the situation carefully and recommend a course of action. Due to the complexity of alcohol consumption disorder and the need of individualised therapy, self-diagnosis and self-treatment are not encouraged. If you’re struggling, getting some expert support may make a world of difference. In addition, those who are worried about a friend or family member’s drinking should urge them to get treatment.

Also Read:Substance Abuse Questionnaire