MAST Output

Developed in 1971, the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is one of the oldest and most accurate screening tests, with an efficiency of 98% in determining alcohol dependence.

The MAST test questions are related to the patient’s assessment of social, professional and family problems associated with alcoholism. The test itself was developed as a way to quickly assess alcohol abuse for the general population, of different races and nationalities. It has been extensively tested and has shown excellent results in identifying addiction to alcoholism.

There are several variations of the test, but we are using the latest, most up-to-date version of 24 questions. Please note that the MAST test is not an express test (quick test), you must answer the questions thoughtfully, and this takes time. Many questions concern the whole life, not just the last time. Of course, the test result cannot replace an in-person consultation with a doctor. However, a rough estimate of your state may affect the adoption of the correct decision regarding the future tactics of life.

The MAST test has 2 very striking features that make it very different from other tests.

The first feature is related to its length: the full version consists of 24 questions and requires concentration, which of course distinguishes it from 4-6 questions of other quick tests. Therefore, it is impossible or difficult to use in crowded places and in noisy environments. However, this is what affects his accuracy of conclusions.

The second feature: the questions in the test require focusing on problems throughout the patient’s life, and not on current problems. This means the test is less likely to detect problems in the early stages of alcoholism. Accordingly, it is more suitable for people who have had this problem for more than a year, moreover, the accuracy of testing only increases with age.

MAST has launched an on-line testing system that will assess your propensity to abuse alcohol according to internationally recognized standards. Assess yourself, advise your friends and draw the right conclusions.

Testing is based on the latest modification of the University of Michigan 24-question psychological test MAST-G.

Keys to the test

Points are accrued according to the following scheme:

• answer “Yes” to questions 5,9,16: 1 point;
• answer “Yes” to questions 2,3,10-15,17,18,21-24: 2 points;
• answer “Yes” to questions 8,19,20: 5 points;
• answer “No” to questions 1,4,6,7: 2 points.

The total score is calculated. The maximum number of points is 54. Interpretation of test results:

• 0-4 points – alcoholism is absent;
• 5-7 points – predisposition to alcohol addiction;
• over 7 points – probably the presence of alcoholism.

How to diagnose alcohol addiction?

The diagnosis of “Alcoholism” according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) can be stated in the presence of 3 signs, which should appear several times within 12 months or constantly within a month:

• craving for alcohol, which is difficult to overcome.
• a drop in the ability to control alcohol consumption. This refers to the difficulty of rejecting an initial intake, the difficulty of rejecting an initial intake, and the difficulty of controlling alcohol consumption.
• withdrawal syndrome (a set of psychophysical disorders caused by the cessation of alcohol intake following their prolonged or massive use).
• drinking alcohol to relieve or eliminate the symptoms of withdrawal symptoms (“drunkenness”).
• increased alcohol tolerance (increasing the dose of alcohol to achieve the same effect as before).
• narrowing the circle of people with whom alcohol is consumed (drinking with random people, alone, etc.).
• progressive disregard for other interests and actions, the implementation of which gives pleasure, in favor of the use of alcohol (narrowing the range of interests, their concentration on alcoholization).
• perseverance to keep drinking alcohol despite clear signs of negative psychological and physical consequences.
• a lot of time is spent on obtaining alcohol, drinking it and recovering from it.
• alcohol is consumed often, in large quantities or for a longer period than the patient intended.
• having one or more unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking or control the amount of alcohol consumed.