MAST — Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test
Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (Selzer 1971): 25 weighted yes/no questions about lifetime drinking problems, total 0–53. Score the questionnaire and enter the total; 5 or more is the usual positive cut-off.
Score interpretation
MAST 0–4 — below the usual cut-off for alcohol abuse or dependence.
→ Brief advice on lower-risk drinking. Reassess if concerns arise.
MAST ≥ 5 indicates alcohol abuse or dependence and needs further assessment.
→ Assess for alcohol use disorder (AUDIT, clinical interview); brief intervention; refer to alcohol services if dependence is likely; assess withdrawal risk before the patient stops drinking.
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.
- Buchsbaum D. Effectiveness of treatment in general medicine patients with drinking problems. Alcohol Health Res World. 1994;18(2):140-145.
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.