Substance Use Screening Tools
Validated assessments for drug use disorders and comprehensive addiction screening
Substance use disorders affect over 20 million Americans. Validated screening tools enable early identification across all drug classes, supporting timely intervention and treatment matching.
Why Substance Use Screening Matters
Recommended Substance Use Screening Tools
Drug Abuse Screening Test - 10 Item
Brief screening for drug use problems across all drug classes (excluding alcohol and tobacco). Quick severity assessment for treatment matching.
Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test
WHO-developed comprehensive tool covering all psychoactive substances. Provides substance-specific risk scores for targeted intervention.
CAGE Questions Adapted to Include Drugs
Ultra-brief 4-item screener that's easy to memorize. Adapted from classic CAGE to include drugs alongside alcohol.
Addiction Severity Index - Lite
Comprehensive structured interview covering seven life domains affected by addiction. Standard for treatment planning in SUD programs.
Brief Addiction Monitor
Designed for ongoing recovery monitoring. Tracks both risk factors and protective factors to identify relapse risk early.
Benefits of Routine Substance Use Screening
- Many patients don't disclose substance use unless directly asked
- Early identification enables intervention before crisis
- Validated tools assess severity to guide treatment intensity
- Ongoing monitoring tracks recovery and identifies relapse risk
- Documentation supports HEDIS measures and quality reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best screening tool for drug use?
The DAST-10 is the most widely used brief screening tool for drug use. For comprehensive poly-substance assessment, the WHO ASSIST provides substance-specific risk scores.
What DAST-10 score indicates a drug problem?
DAST-10 scores of 1-2 indicate low-level problems (monitor), 3-5 moderate (further assessment), 6-8 substantial (intensive assessment), and 9-10 severe (intensive treatment needed).
How do I screen for opioid use specifically?
The ASSIST provides substance-specific scores including opioids. For ongoing opioid treatment monitoring, many programs use urine drug screens alongside validated screening tools.
Are substance use screening tools free?
Yes, the DAST-10, ASSIST, CAGE-AID, and ASI-Lite are all in the public domain or freely available for clinical use.
Overdose prevention and crisis resources
If someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. SAMHSA's National Helpline provides 24/7 treatment referrals at Call or text 1-800-662-4357.
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