Do You Need Help With Alcohol? The SADQ Assessment Explained

Are you concerned about your drinking habits? The Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) can help determine if alcohol has become a controlling factor in your life and what treatment options might be right for you.

Understanding Alcohol Screening Tools: AUDIT-C vs SADQ

Healthcare professionals use different screening tools depending on what they need to assess:

AUDIT-C: Quick Screening for Risky Drinking

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) is a brief 3-question screening tool designed to identify:

• Hazardous drinking patterns
• Early signs of alcohol problems
• Risky alcohol consumption

This quick assessment helps identify potential issues before severe dependence develops. Read this blog article to find out more.

SADQ: Measuring Dependence Severity

The SADQ is a more comprehensive, clinically validated tool specifically measuring alcohol dependence severity. This 20-question assessment evaluates your drinking patterns over the past 6 months, focusing on:

• Physical withdrawal symptoms
• Relief drinking
• Consumption patterns
• Morning drinking
• Psychological dependence

The SADQ provides deeper insights when alcohol dependence is already suspected.

How the SADQ Works

The questionnaire asks you to reflect on a typical period of heavy drinking in the last 6 months. You’ll respond to each statement with:

• Almost never (0 points)
• Sometimes (1 point)
• Often (2 points)
• Nearly always (3 points)

Your responses generate a score between 0-60 that indicates your level of alcohol dependence.

What Your SADQ Score Means

Your score helps healthcare professionals recommend appropriate treatment:

• Scores under 16: May indicate lower dependence levels, though professional advice is still recommended
• Scores of 16-30: Suggest moderate dependence requiring structured support
• Scores above 30: Indicate severe dependence requiring comprehensive treatment

Safe Home Alcohol Detox Services

If your SADQ score is 16 or higher, you’ll likely need a medically supervised detox program. Attempting to stop drinking without proper support can be dangerous when you’re physically dependent on alcohol.

AIR Detox provides a safe, evidence-based alcohol withdrawal service in the comfort of your own home:

• Medical supervision throughout the withdrawal process
• Personalised medication protocols to manage symptoms
• Professional support to prevent complications
• Comprehensive aftercare planning for long-term recovery

Take the First Step Today

1. Download our free SADQ assessment below to understand your alcohol dependence level
2. If your score is 16 or above, contact us to discuss home detox options
3. Visit our Alcohol Detox Service page for details about our treatment approach

Don’t face alcohol dependency alone. Our experienced team provides confidential, compassionate support throughout your recovery journey.

Need guidance on your results? Call our friendly team today on 0415 617 313 for confidential advice about your options.