The purpose of the evaluation is to:
The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was devised to provide a consistent, quantifiable, structured interview instrument for the detection of alcoholism that could be rapidly administered by nonprofessional as well as professional personnel. The MAST consists of 25 questions, many of which have also been used by other investigators in surveys of alcoholism. Some of the questions are sufficiently neutral that persons reluctant to see themselves as problem drinkers may reveal their alcoholic affliction. Questions related to amounts of alcohol consumed were not used because of the vague responses they evoke. Where the MAST is used for screening purposes, clinical confirmation may occasionally be required.