Drug Abuse Screening Test

Drug Abuse Screening Test

Are you wondering if you have a drug problem? This Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20)can help determine whether you might have a problem with the use or abuse of drugs. It is one of the two standard tests
that doctors and counselors use to determine if an individual is an addict.
Use the results to help decide if you need to see a doctor or other mental health professional to further discuss diagnosis and treatment of drug addiction or drug abuse. (This test does NOT measure alcohol use.)
Instructions:
The following questions concern information about your involvement and abuse of drugs. Drug abuse refers to:

1. the use of prescribed or “over the counter” drugs in excess of the directions

2. any non-medical use of drugs
The questions DO NOT include alcoholic beverages. The DAST does not include alcohol use.
The questions refer to the past 12 months. Carefully read each statement and decide whether your answer is
YES or NO. Please give the best answer or the answer that is right most of the time.

1 )Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?

Yes
No

2 )Have you abused prescription drugs?

Yes
No

3 )Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?

Yes
No

4 )Can you get through the week without using drugs?

Yes
No

5 )Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?

Yes
No

6 )Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of drug use?

Yes
No

7 )Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?

Yes
No

8 )Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs?

Yes
No

9 )Has drug abuse created problems between you and your spouse or your parents?

Yes
No

10)Have you lost friends because of your use of drugs?

Yes
No

11) Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?

Yes
No

12) Have you been in trouble at work because of your use of drugs?

Yes
No

13) Have you lost a job because of drug abuse?

Yes
No

14) Have you gotten into fights when under the influence of drugs?

Yes
No

15 )
Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?

Yes
No

16) Have you been arrested for possession of illegal drugs?

Yes
No

17) Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?

Yes
No

18) Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)?

Yes
No

19) Have you gone to anyone for help for a drug problem?

Yes
No

20) Have you been involved in a treatment program especially related to drug use?

Yes
No

Scoring:
1. 0-5 (None to mild problem with drugs)
2. 6-10 (Moderate problem with drugs)
3. 11-15 (Substantial problem with drugs)
4. 16-20 (Severe problem with drugs)