Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
A private, self-administered alcohol screening tool trusted by clinicians for over 50 years is now available as a free, confidential online assessment from Executive Addiction Recovery Services.
What Is the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test?
The MAST was developed in 1971 by Dr. Melvin Selzer at the University of Michigan and remains one of the most widely used alcohol screening instruments in clinical practice. Studies published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) report the test demonstrates approximately 90% sensitivity and 85% specificity in identifying alcohol use disorders.
The MAST is a 25-item yes-or-no questionnaire designed to detect patterns associated with alcohol misuse, dependence, and the broader consequences of drinking. It assesses areas including:
Drinking patterns and control — whether you can stop after one or two drinks, whether you drink before noon, or whether you experience blackouts.
Social and relationship impact — whether drinking has caused conflict with a spouse, parent, or close family member, or led to losing friends.
Occupational and medical consequences — job loss, neglect of responsibilities, liver damage, or hospitalization related to alcohol.
Treatment history and legal involvement — prior attendance at AA meetings, prior counselling, DUI arrests, or psychiatric treatment where alcohol played a role.
The test uses a weighted scoring system where certain questions carry higher point values (up to 5 points for items related to hospitalization, AA attendance, or formal help-seeking). Four questions are reverse-scored, meaning a “No” response earns points. Total scores range from 0 to 53.
Michigan Alcohol Screening Test
This private self-assessment from Executive Addiction Recovery Services is designed to help you reflect on your relationship with alcohol, patterns of use, and the impact drinking may be having on your personal or professional life.
Completely Private
No data is saved or transmitted.
5–10 Minutes
25 straightforward yes/no questions.
Instant Results
Immediate scoring and insights.
What to Do With Your Results
Your MAST score is not a diagnosis. It is a reflection tool based on a validated clinical instrument. Here is how to interpret your next steps:
If your score is low (0–4): Your current responses do not indicate a significant concern. If drinking still feels like something worth monitoring, that awareness itself is valuable.
If your score is moderate (5–6): Patterns may be emerging that are worth examining more closely. A confidential conversation with a professional can help clarify what you’re seeing.
If your score is high (7+): Your responses suggest a level of concern that warrants professional attention. This is not a crisis — it is information. Acting now, while you still have choices, is a position of strength.
Regardless of your score, your answers remain completely private. They were not transmitted or stored anywhere.
A Clear Path to Addiction Recovery That Supports Your Life
Addiction recovery does not need to remove you from your life or put your career at risk. This approach provides clear structure, practical support, and a defined path forward for professionals seeking real help without public exposure.
Understand the Problem
Identify patterns, triggers, and impact.
Build a Recovery Plan
Create a realistic, professional-aligned plan.
Move Forward With Support
Optional one-to-one counseling for accountability.
Professional Guidance Built on Real-World Experience
Executive Addiction Recovery was created to support professionals who are struggling privately while continuing to carry significant responsibility.
The process is led by Brian James, a registered psychotherapist with extensive experience in addiction recovery and a background in high-performance professional environments. This combination allows the recovery process to address addiction realistically, without ignoring the pressures, expectations, and identities that often make seeking help feel complicated.
The focus is not on removing you from your life, but on helping you regain clarity, control, and alignment within it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MAST test clinically validated?
Is the MAST test clinically validated?
Yes. The MAST has been used in clinical settings since 1971 and has been validated across multiple populations. Research shows strong reliability and a sensitivity of approximately 90% in detecting alcohol use disorders.
Is this test anonymous?
Completely. Your responses are processed locally in your browser. Nothing is stored on a server, transmitted, or linked to your identity in any way.
How long does the test take?
Most people complete the 25 questions in 5 to 10 minutes.
What if my score is high?
A high score is not a diagnosis — it is a signal. It suggests that your relationship with alcohol may benefit from professional attention. Executive Addiction Recovery Services offers a confidential consultation as a no-pressure first step
Can I use this for someone else?
The MAST can be completed on behalf of someone else by answering based on their observed behaviour. However, a self-assessment is always more accurate. If you’re concerned about someone close to you, a consultation may be a helpful starting point.