Publications

Diagnosis and Treatment of Drug Abuse in Family Practice - American Family Physician Monograph
Drug Use Questionnaire

This is Archived Content. This content is available for historical purposes only. It may not reflect the current state of science or language from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Find current research and publications at nida.nih.gov.

The following questions concern information about your possible involvement with drugs not including alcoholic beverages during the past 12 months. Carefully read each statement and decide if your answer is "Yes" or "No". Then circle the appropriate response beside the question.

In the following statements "drug abuse" refers to:

  1. the use of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs in excess of the directions, and
  2. any nonmedical use of drugs.

The various classes of drugs may include cannabis (marijuana, hashish), solvents (e.g., paint thinner), tranquilizers (e.g., Valium), barbiturates, cocaine, stimulants (e.g., speed), hallucinogens (e.g., LSD) or narcotics (e.g., heroin). Remember that the questions do not include alcoholic beverages.

Please answer every question. If you have difficulty with a statement, then choose the response that is mostly right.

These Questions Refer to the Past 12 Months
1. Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons? Yes No
2. Do you abuse more than one drug at a time? Yes No
3. Are you unable to stop using drugs when you want to? Yes No
4. Have you ever had blackouts or flashbacks as a result of drug use? Yes No
5. Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use? Yes No
6. Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs? Yes No
7. Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs? Yes No
8. Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs? Yes No
9. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs? Yes No
10. Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding)? Yes No

Interpretation (Each "Yes" response = 1)

Score Degree of Problems
Related to Drug Abuse		 Suggested Action
0 No Problems Reported None At This Time
1-2 Low Level Monitor, Reassess At A Later Date
3-5 Moderate Level Further Investigation
6-8 Substantial Level Intensive Assessment

Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10). (Copyright 1982 by the Addiction Research Foundation. Used with Permission)