MAST — Michigan Alcohol Screening Test
25-item structured interview for detecting lifetime alcohol use disorder. Score ≥5 indicates possible alcohol problem.
Score interpretation
MAST 0–2. Normal drinking pattern. No alcohol use disorder indicated.
→ Brief advice on safe drinking limits. Reassure.
MAST 3–4. Early or middle problem drinking.
→ Brief intervention (BI). Motivational interviewing. Safe drinking guidance. Monitor at next visit.
MAST ≥5. Alcohol use disorder likely.
→ Extended brief intervention. Consider referral to alcohol services. Liver function tests. CAGE and AUDIT scores for full assessment.
MAST ≥7. Alcohol dependence confirmed.
→ Specialist alcohol services referral. Medically supervised detoxification (chlordiazepoxide or lorazepam). CIWA-Ar monitoring. Long-term relapse prevention (naltrexone, acamprosate).
Interpretation bands for the MAST. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Selzer ML. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test: the quest for a new diagnostic instrument. Am J Psychiatry. 1971;127(12):1653-1658.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Nalmefene · Opioid Receptor Modulator (Alcohol Dependence — 'As-Needed' Therapy)
- Chlorhexidine gluconate with isopropyl alcohol · Skin antiseptic
- Tetracosactide · Synthetic ACTH (short Synacthen test)
- Sodium Cromoglicate Nasal Spray · Mast Cell Stabiliser — Allergic Rhinitis
- Olopatadine · H1 antihistamine + mast cell stabiliser
- Chlorhexidine · Antiseptic / disinfectant (bisbiguanide)
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.