Drug Use Screening Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST), DAST-10, Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS), Cut-down Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE), Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT), Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Drug use screening tests are questionnaires you answer about your drug use. A drug use screening test can help your health care provider check for a substance use disorder.
Specimen: not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- You have symptoms or behaviors that may indicate a risk for substance use disorder (e.g., daily urgent need to use, hiding use, tolerance, problems in relationships or work).
- Family, friends, or co-workers express concerns about your drug use.
- Your provider notices signs or symptoms of a substance use disorder during a checkup.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a drug use screening test.
Your primary care provider or a mental health provider may do a drug use screening. There are different types of drug use screening tests. Each includes questions about your drug use and how it affects your life.
There is no risk in taking a questionnaire.
Understanding results
Results may show whether you have a substance use disorder and the severity of the problem.
- DAST-10 score of 8 or more: A score of 8 or more may indicate that you have a problem with drug use. Limitation: Other screening tools may be available for specific groups, such as adolescents or pregnant women. Next step: If your test shows you have or are at risk for a serious drug use problem, a long-term treatment plan may be recommended.
- CAGE: two or more "yes" answers: Two or more "yes" answers may indicate signs of a substance use disorder. Limitation: But it's no longer recommended because there are better tests available. Next step: The results can help your provider develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
- CRAFFT (teens): two or more "yes" answers: Two or more "yes" answers to these questions may indicate signs of a substance use disorder. Limitation: This test is designed for teens and includes yes or no questions about drug and alcohol use. Next step: The results can help your provider develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
- This is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. A screen-positive result indicates a higher likelihood of a substance use disorder, but it does not confirm a diagnosis.
- False positives and false negatives are possible; your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and may recommend further evaluation.
- The test relies on honest self-reporting (if self-administered) or your responses during a clinical interview.
What to do next
The results can help your provider develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Medicines can also make it safer to handle the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms of withdrawal (symptoms that can happen when you cut back or stop taking drugs).
- Which screening questionnaire will I complete?
- What does my score mean?
- Do I need further evaluation or treatment?
- What support or treatment options are available to me?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.