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 that ask about your use of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, tobacco, illegal drugs, and other substances. They help your healthcare provider check for a substance use disorder and develop an effective treatment plan.
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
No special preparation is needed.
You answer a set of questions about your drug use and how it affects your life. The test is usually administered by your primary care provider or a mental health provider. Some versions are available online for self-testing.
There is no risk in taking a questionnaire. (Source: MedlinePlus explicitly states there is no risk.)
Understanding results
Your healthcare provider will interpret your responses and scores. The results help determine your risk of drug misuse or a substance use disorder. Below are examples of how results are categorized for common screening tests.
- For DAST-10: Score of 8 or more. For CAGE or CRAFFT: Two or more 'yes' answers.: Screen-positive: Higher likelihood of a substance use disorder. Limitation: Screening result; not a diagnosis. Next step: Discuss with your provider. They may recommend further assessment or a brief intervention.
- For DAST-10: Score below 8. For CAGE or CRAFFT: Fewer than two 'yes' answers.: Screen-negative: Lower likelihood of a substance use disorder. Limitation: Screening result; not a diagnosis. Next step: If you or others have concerns about your drug use, discuss them with your provider even if the screen is negative.
- 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
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results and may recommend further evaluation or treatment. Treatment options include counseling, support groups, medicine, and residential treatment programs. Talk to your provider about what is right for you.
- How often do you use drugs?
- Do you feel you need to cut down on your drug use?
- Have you ever felt annoyed when people criticize your drug use?
- Have you ever felt guilty or embarrassed about your drug use?
- Do you ever use drugs first thing in the morning? (Eye-opener question on CAGE test)