How to take and score the FAST Alcohol Screening Test

The FAST Alcohol Screening Test is an essential tool designed to screen individuals for hazardous drinking. This screening test is specifically devised to make a fast assessment and is used by health specialists to assess a patient’s level of risk to alcohol harm.

Get a clear idea of what you normally drink in a week by answering the following questions. The Drinks Calculator will help you work this out.

For the following questions, 1 drink is equal to ½ of a pint of standard beer or lager (5%), 1 standard glass of wine (175ml), or one measure of spirits (25ml).

Men: How often do you have more than EIGHT drinks on one occasion? Women: How often do you have more than SIX drinks on one occasion?

(0) Never

(1) Less than monthly

(2) Monthly

(3) Weekly

(4) Daily or almost daily

How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?

(0) Never

(1) Less than monthly

(2) Monthly

(3) Weekly

(4) Daily or almost daily

How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?

(0) Never

(1) Less than Monthly

(2) Monthly

(3) Weekly

(4) Daily or almost daily

In the last year has a relative, friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

(0) Never

(2) Yes, on one occasion

(4) Yes, on more than one occasion

Scoring the F.A.S.T Questionnaire

Stage 1. Question 1 only. If your response to Question 1 is ‘Weekly’ or ‘Daily or almost daily’ then you are a hazardous harmful or dependent drinker.

Stage 2. If your response to Question 1 is ‘Less than monthly’ or ‘Monthly’, add together the figures scored for your answers to Questions 2, 3 and 4. If your total score is 3 or greater, you are misusing alcohol.

So if someone you or someone you know or care about is having difficulties with alcohol in their life, pick up the phone today and call Rehab Guide on 02072052845 who will guide and support you to access the help and support you need.

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John

John’s has dedicated his life to finding treatment for those with addictions and supporting their families.
A business manager for 20 years in the construction industry John’s own experience of addiction led him to found his own rehab centre group in Scotland.
John qualified as a counsellor for people with substance misuse during his time working as a therapist and manager for the foundation. He also trained as an interventionist and appeared on ITV as a consultant helping families impacted by addiction.
He has helped thousands of people in recovery and his knowledge of the rehabilitations process and the addiction experience is unparalleled.

About the author

Article author

John

John’s has dedicated his life to finding treatment for those with addictions and supporting their families. A business manager for 20 years in the construction industry John’s own experience of addiction led him to found his own rehab centre group in Scotland. John qualified as a counsellor for people with substance misuse during his time working as a therapist and manager for the foundation. He also trained as an interventionist and appeared on ITV as a consultant helping families impacted by addiction. He has helped thousands of people in recovery and his knowledge of the rehabilitations process and the addiction experience is unparalleled.