Who is this test for?
The test has been designed to help you, your loved ones or a healthcare professional answer questions about your drinking.
What age do I have to be to take the test?
The target age group for the test is adults over 18 years and older as it is illegal for under 18 year olds to buy alcohol, to attempt to buy it for minors or to drink alcohol in a public space in Ireland. However, as those under 18 years old may drink alcohol in a private residence when permission is given from a parent or guardian and in light of the evidence of increases in harmful use of alcohol and related problems among under-18s, there is a need to ensure that information and treatment services are made available and we are currently developing an online test for adolescents. The information contained in this test is for adults and therefore the low risk weekly guidelines do not apply if you’re under 18. If you are under 18 and are worried about your alcohol use or someone else’s, there is help and information available. We recommend that you contact one of the services listed on our site.
Will I be asked any personal information?
Any answers you give are completely anonymous and confidential. We will not ask you for your name, email address, postal address, telephone number or any other personal identifying information.
What is the “share” option for facebook and twitter? Will my friends and family be able to see my results?
If you decide to “share” that you took the test with your friends and family on facebook or twitter, they will not be able to see your results, it will just send them a link to try the test for themselves.
Will my answers be used for any reports or research?
Data from the site will be collected for research purposes but will be completely anonymous as we do not ask for any names, email addresses or any other personal identifying information. Your answers and results cannot be linked back to you in any way.
Should I still speak to my GP or a health professional or is the test the same as talking to them?
The feedback and information you receive is intended to be educational. While the test can give you an overview of your current level of drinking and advise you on any actions you should consider to cut down or stop using alcohol completely, it is not intended to be a replacement for a professional alcohol assessment/clinical diagnosis from your GP or healthcare professional. Support is an important part of cutting down or stopping alcohol use completely. If you intend to stop alcohol use completely it is important to discuss this with your GP or healthcare professional first. If you have any health conditions or concerns it is important to discuss your decision with your GP first.
Why should I take the test?
It is difficult to know how much we are drinking, this test helps you calculate how much you are drinking and lets you know if your drinking is likely to be harming your health or increasing your risk of future harm.
It provides a range of information to encourage you to think about your drinking and provides suggestions on ways to drink in a less harmful manner. It also gives you information on guidelines for low risk drinking.
What is the aim of this online alcohol intervention?
The aim of the online alcohol test is to identify “at risk” individuals among the general adult population through the use of the AUDIT screening tool. Those whose alcohol use is likely to be harming their health or increasing their risk of future harm are the main target group intended to benefit from this test. Information on current drinking guidelines and standard drink information is also provided. Anyone completing the screening test will be offered personalised feedback and brief advice based on their screening result. The programme is not intended to be a substitute for a professional clinical diagnosis. Your GP or local alcohol service will be happy to discuss your result with you in more detail.
What is the AUDIT screening tool?
The AUDIT is a ten item screening questionnaire developed by the World Health Organisation. It is considered to be the gold standard of screening tools worldwide. It has also been shortened to a 3-item screening questionnaire AUDIT-C, which also features in this test.
Why an online test?
Online assessment tests mean that access is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and engagement is confidential and anonymous. The test can also be accessed by large numbers of people at a time that suits them.