psychiatry

Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST)

13-item brief version of the MAST for alcohol use disorder screening. Score ≥3 = probable alcoholism. Score 1–2 = possible; score 0 = unlikely. Validated in multiple settings.

Do you feel you are a normal drinker? (i.e., drink less or the same as most other people)*

Does your wife, husband, a parent, or other near relative ever worry or complain about your drinking?*

Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking?*

Do friends or relatives think you are a normal drinker?*

Are you able to stop drinking when you want to?*

Have you ever attended a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?*

Has drinking ever created problems between you and your wife, husband, a parent, or other near relative?*

Have you ever gotten into trouble at work because of your drinking?*

Have you ever neglected your obligations, your family, or your work for two or more days in a row because you were drinking?*

Have you ever gone to anyone for help about your drinking?*

Have you ever been in a hospital because of drinking?*

Have you ever been arrested for drunk driving, or drinking under the influence of alcoholic beverages?*

Have you ever experienced a blackout (woke up and couldn't remember what you did while drinking)?*

Score interpretation

Alcoholism Unlikely 0

SMAST 0 — alcoholism unlikely

→ Brief preventive advice; reassess if clinical concerns arise

Possible Alcoholism 1–2

SMAST 1–2 — possible alcohol use disorder

→ Brief motivational interview; AUDIT questionnaire for severity; psychoeducation on safe drinking limits; follow-up in 4–6 weeks; consider referral to community alcohol team

Probable Alcoholism 3–13

SMAST ≥3 — probable alcohol use disorder

→ Formal alcohol use disorder diagnosis; alcohol withdrawal risk assessment (CIWA-Ar/GMAWS); refer to addiction services; offer pharmacotherapy (acamprosate, naltrexone, disulfiram); AUDIT-C; liver function tests; thiamine supplementation

Interpretation bands for the SMAST. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Selzer ML, Vinokur A, van Rooijen L. A self-administered Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST). J Stud Alcohol. 1975;36(1):117–126.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test — Geriatric Version (SMAST-G) · Alcohol Use

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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