What does a score of 0-3 on the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) indicate?

A score of 0-3 on the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) generally suggests an absence of alcohol dependence. This range indicates that the individual likely does not exhibit significant alcohol-related problems or the criteria for alcohol dependence. The MAST is designed to identify potential alcohol issues, with higher scores reflecting increasing levels of concern regarding a person's drinking patterns.

In the context of alcohol screening, lower scores serve as indicators for clinicians to assess further and more intensive interventions as needed. Therefore, scoring in this lower range implies that the individual is not presenting clear signs of alcohol misuse or dependence, allowing healthcare professionals to consider alternative explanations for any concerns raised by the screening.