- The MAST is one of the oldest validated screening tools for alcohol problems
- Developed in 1971 by Dr. Melvin Selzer at the University of Michigan
- Original version contains 25 yes/no questions about drinking behavior and consequences
- Shortened versions (SMAST-13, Brief MAST-10) are also widely used
- A score of 5 or more suggests an alcohol use disorder
- Particularly effective at identifying moderate to severe alcohol dependence
- Available as both self-report and interviewer-administered formats
- Widely used in clinical, legal, and research settings for over 50 years
Published: February 2026 | Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 5 min
What Is the MAST?
The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is a screening questionnaire developed in 1971 by Dr. Melvin Selzer at the University of Michigan. As one of the first standardized instruments for detecting alcohol problems, the MAST has been used for over five decades and has been cited in thousands of research publications.
The MAST was designed to provide a rapid, effective screening method for identifying alcohol use disorders in clinical and research settings. Its questions cover a broad range of alcohol-related behaviors and consequences, from drinking patterns to medical, legal, social, and occupational problems.
Versions of the MAST
The original MAST contains 25 questions. Several shortened versions have been developed for situations where brevity is needed. The SMAST (Short MAST) contains 13 questions selected for their discriminative ability. The Brief MAST (BMAST) contains 10 questions. The Geriatric MAST (MAST-G) contains 24 questions adapted for older adults, with items relevant to aging-related consequences.
MAST Questions and Scoring
Question Categories
The 25 MAST questions explore self-perception of drinking behavior (whether the person considers themselves a normal drinker), social consequences (relationship problems, friend/family concern), medical consequences (hospitalizations, medical advice to cut down), behavioral consequences (attending AA meetings, getting into fights), legal consequences (DUI arrests, legal problems related to drinking), and dependency indicators (blackouts, delirium tremens, morning drinking).
Scoring System
Questions are answered "yes" or "no," with each answer assigned a weighted score of 0, 1, 2, or 5 points depending on the diagnostic significance of the item. For example, a DUI arrest scores 2 points, while a history of delirium tremens scores 5 points. Total scores are interpreted as: 0-3 suggests no alcohol problem, 4 is borderline, and 5 or higher suggests an alcohol use disorder.
Clinical Use
Strengths
The MAST's longevity reflects its genuine clinical utility. It has extensive validation data accumulated over 50 years. It covers a comprehensive range of alcohol-related consequences. It is effective at identifying moderate to severe alcohol dependence. It is freely available with no licensing fees. And it can be administered verbally or in written form.
Appropriate Settings
The MAST is used in addiction treatment centers for intake assessment, in legal and forensic settings (DUI evaluations, custody proceedings), in employee assistance programs, in research studies examining alcohol use, and in geriatric settings (using the MAST-G adaptation).
Limitations
The MAST has some limitations compared to newer tools. Its questions assess lifetime rather than current behavior, potentially flagging resolved past problems. It was designed to detect dependence rather than the full spectrum of hazardous drinking. Some questions reference specific consequences (DUI, AA attendance) that may not apply across all populations. And it is longer than many newer screening tools.
MAST vs. Other Screening Tools
The AUDIT has largely supplemented the MAST in many primary care settings because it assesses current (past-year) drinking behavior and is sensitive to the full spectrum of alcohol misuse. However, the MAST remains valuable in forensic evaluations, legal proceedings, research, and clinical settings where a comprehensive lifetime assessment of alcohol-related consequences is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MAST still relevant today?
Yes. While newer tools like the AUDIT have become more common in primary care settings, the MAST remains widely used in forensic, legal, and research contexts. Its extensive validation and comprehensive assessment of consequences make it a valuable tool in specific settings.
What is the difference between the MAST and the CAGE?
The MAST (25 questions) provides a comprehensive assessment of alcohol-related consequences, while the CAGE (4 questions) is a brief screen focused on four key indicators. The MAST provides more detailed information but takes longer to administer.
Can the MAST be used for drug screening?
No. The MAST is specific to alcohol. The DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) is the equivalent tool for drug use screening.
References
- Selzer, M.L. (1971). The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test: The quest for a new diagnostic instrument. American Journal of Psychiatry.
- Selzer, M.L., et al. (1975). A self-administered Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST). Journal of Studies on Alcohol.
- Pokorny, A.D., et al. (1972). The Brief MAST: A shortened version of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. American Journal of Psychiatry.
- Blow, F.C., et al. (1992). The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test — Geriatric Version (MAST-G). Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
- Shields, A.L., et al. (2004). The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test and its shortened form: A meta-analytic review. Substance Abuse.
This article was reviewed by the Valley Spring Recovery Center Editorial Team. For a confidential alcohol assessment, call (201) 781-8812 or visit our admissions page.
Valley Spring Recovery Center — Evidence-based addiction treatment in Norwood, New Jersey.