To diagnose alcohol dependence, Gattaz HR uses the AUDIT test (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), currently considered to be the best method for identifying and stratifying alcoholism.

This instrument assesses:

• the use of alcohol in higher quantities and frequencies than planned
• the persistent desire or incapacity to control the desire to drink
• not performing social, professional or family activities due to alcohol use
• continued use of alcohol in spite of the occurrence of social or interpersonal problems
• multiple attempts to stop drinking
• maintenance of alcohol use in spite of physical harm and against the advice of healthcare professionals
• alcoholic blackout (loss of memory of what happens while the individual is under the influence of alcohol)
• use of alcohol in situations involving exposure to risk, accidents
• tolerance to alcohol
• alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Alcohol use disorder is the major problem within the area of substance dependence because it is a chronic, progressive disease that has serious clinical and social consequences.  Its consequences in the workplace can be grave, including serious cognitive losses resulting in reduced productivity, absenteeism, accidents and the aggravation of other co-existing diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally the use of alcohol is the third greatest risk factor for premature death, incapacitation and loss of health. It is a public health problem that should be investigated by all healthcare areas services.