What is a positive AUDIT-C score?

A score of 4 or more for men, and 3 or more for women, is generally considered positive, indicating potential hazardous drinking that may affect your health.

What counts as one standard drink?

In general, one standard drink contains about 10-14 grams of pure alcohol. This is roughly equivalent to a 330ml regular beer, a 150ml glass of wine, or a 30ml (one peg) shot of hard liquor like whisky, rum, or vodka.

How can I support my liver health with an Indian diet?

If you consume alcohol, supporting your liver is crucial. Include antioxidant-rich foods like amla, turmeric (haldi), garlic, and green leafy vegetables. Stay hydrated with coconut water or lemon water (nimbu pani), and limit high-fat, deep-fried snacks (chakna) which double the burden on your liver.

AUDIT-C Calculator – Check Your Alcohol Risk | DietDekho

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AUDIT-C Calculator
Check Your Alcohol Risk

Answer 3 simple questions using the standard AUDIT-C screening tool to evaluate your alcohol consumption habits and discover expert diet tips for optimal liver health.

3Questions

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100%Free Tool

Calculate Your AUDIT-C Score

Please answer the questions below honestly.

Biological Sex

Scoring thresholds differ for men and women.

Please select your biological sex.

1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

Please select an answer for question 1.

2. How many standard drinks do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

Please select an answer for question 2.

3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

Please select an answer for question 3.

Understanding the Math

What Is the AUDIT C Alcohol Test?

The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Consumption) is a validated, 3-question screening tool used globally by doctors and health professionals. It helps identify individuals whose alcohol consumption habits have become hazardous or active alcohol use disorders.

The test assigns a score from 0 to 4 for each of the three questions, giving a total possible score ranging from 0 to 12. Because alcohol is metabolized differently depending on biological sex and body composition, the risk thresholds for men and women vary slightly. The higher your score, the higher the potential risk to your liver, heart, and overall health.

Score Interpretation

AUDIT-C Scoring Chart

AUDIT-C Interpretation Guide

Score (Men)	Score (Women)	Risk Category	Action Required
0 – 3	0 – 2	Low Risk	Maintain healthy limits, stay hydrated
4 – 5	3 – 4	Moderate Risk	Monitor habits, reduce frequency/amount
6 – 7	5 – 6	Hazardous Risk	Improve diet for liver health, cut back
8 – 12	7 – 12	Severe Risk	Consult a physician and dietitian immediately

Understanding Impacts

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What is a Standard Drink?

One standard drink is roughly 10-14g of pure alcohol. This means 1 small glass of wine (150ml), 1 regular beer (330ml), or 1 peg/shot (30ml) of hard liquor (whisky, vodka, rum) all count as one standard drink.

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Alcohol & Your Body

Excessive alcohol consumption does not just hurt the liver. It spikes triglycerides, raises blood pressure, contributes to weight gain (empty calories), and significantly disturbs sleep cycles, leading to chronic fatigue.

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The Indian ‘Chakna’ Trap

In India, alcohol is often accompanied by deep-fried or highly salted snacks like namkeen, pakoras, or heavy curries. This high-fat, high-sodium combo drastically worsens the burden on your liver and cardiovascular system.

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Dietary Intervention

Your liver has an incredible ability to regenerate if given the chance. Cutting back on alcohol while adopting a diet rich in antioxidants, complex carbs, and lean proteins can rapidly improve liver function and lipid profiles.

Protect Your Liver

Actionable Advice

How to Support Your Body & Reduce Risk

1
Schedule Alcohol-Free Days — Give your liver time to recover by strictly planning 3 to 4 consecutive alcohol-free days every week. This helps prevent the buildup of fatty tissue in the liver.
2
Hydrate Aggressively — Alcohol is a diuretic that depletes your body of water and essential minerals. Match every alcoholic drink with one full glass of water. Drink coconut water or nimbu pani (without sugar) the next morning to restore electrolytes.
3
Include Liver-Friendly Indian Foods — Add antioxidant powerhouses to your daily diet. Start your day with a pinch of haldi (turmeric) in warm water. Include amla (Indian gooseberry), garlic, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage to support liver detox pathways.
4
Ditch the Greasy ‘Chakna’ — Replace fried snacks with healthier alternatives. Try roasted makhana (fox nuts), chana (chickpeas), unsalted peanuts, or cucumber and carrot sticks. This saves hundreds of calories and spares your liver.
5
Never Drink on an Empty Stomach — Drinking without eating causes rapid alcohol absorption, spiking blood alcohol levels. Always eat a balanced meal containing protein and fiber (like dal, paneer, or chicken with roti) before having a drink.

FAQs

Common Questions About the AUDIT C Alcohol Test

What is considered a positive AUDIT-C score? +

Generally, a score of 4 or higher for men, and 3 or higher for women, is considered positive. This indicates that your drinking habits may be hazardous to your health and warrants a closer look at your lifestyle.

Is the AUDIT-C calculator a medical diagnosis? +

No, the AUDIT-C is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It helps identify potential risks. If you score high, it is highly recommended that you consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.

Why are the scoring thresholds different for men and women? +

Women generally have a lower threshold for alcohol toxicity due to biological differences, including lower body water content and lower levels of the enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) that breaks down alcohol in the stomach. Thus, less alcohol is required to cause potential harm.

Does this test apply if I only drink beer or wine? +

Yes. The type of alcohol matters less than the amount of pure alcohol consumed. A standard drink of beer (about 330ml), wine (150ml), or liquor (30ml) all contain roughly the same amount of pure alcohol and impact your body similarly.

What should I do if my score is high? +

If your score is in the hazardous or severe range, do not panic, but do take action. Try to reduce your intake immediately, plan alcohol-free days, improve your diet to support your liver, and consult a doctor or a certified dietitian for personalized guidance.

Medical Disclaimer: This AUDIT-C Calculator is provided for educational and screening purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of alcohol use disorders. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding medical conditions or substance use.