Drug Abuse Screening Test
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 the use of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs in excess of the directions and any nonmedical use of drugs.
- The various classes of drugs may include cannabis (e.g., marijuana, hashish), solvents (e.g., paint thinner), tranquilizers (e.g., Valium), barbiturates, cocaine, stimulants (e.g., speed), hallucinogens (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide [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 question, then choose the response that is mostly right.
| Interpretation (Each "Yes" response = 1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons? | Yes | No |
| Do you abuse more than one drug at a time? | Yes | No |
| Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to? | Yes | No |
| Have you ever had blackouts or flashbacks as a result of drug use? | Yes | No |
| Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use? | Yes | No |
| Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs? | Yes | No |
| Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs? | Yes | No |
| Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs? | Yes | No |
| Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs? | Yes | No |
| Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding)? |
Yes | No |
| These Questions Refer to the Past 12 Months | ||
|---|---|---|
| Score | Degree of Problem Relating to Drug Use | 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 |
Source: Adapted from Addictive Behaviors, 7(4), Skinner, H.A. The drug abuse screening test, 363-371, copyright 1982, with permission.
This screening test is designed as a guideline only and is not intended to take the place of consultation with a doctor. If you have any concerns about substance abuse, please talk to a doctor.
For more information about drug or alcohol rehab at the Harborview Recovery Center, please call our Chicago treatment center anytime at 773-665-3371 or email us.
Need treatment for your drug or alcohol addiction? Request an appointment, and one of our drug addiction rehab professionals will contact you within 24 hours.
