The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment.
Screening tests are usually administered to people without
current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain
diseases or conditions Screening tests for alcohol abuse and
alcoholism usually involve simple questionnaires, either
verbally administered by a doctor or given in written form.
Several of the most commonly tests include the CAGE, the
Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), Self-Administered
Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST), The Alcohol Dependence Scale
(ADS), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT),
and the T-ACE Test. Some healthcare providers use a single
question for screening: "When was the last time you had more
than five drinks (for men) or four drinks (for women) in one
day?"