Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
There also are a number of screening instruments available to evaluate drug use and abuse. John took the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST), one of the most widely used tools for screening for drug abuse and addiction. The DAST was modeled after the MAST and therefore similar information is obtained with the two questionnaires related to alcohol use and drug use, respectively. The questions on the DAST are as follows:
To score the DAST, add together items. The scoring, interpretation, and management guidelines for the DAST are summarized below:
Degree of problem related to drug abuse | DAST 20-item scoring | Action | ASAM level |
None | 0 |
Monitor |
|
Low | 1-5 |
Brief counseling |
Level I |
Intermediate (likely meets DSM-IV criteria) | 6-10 |
Outpatient (intensive) |
Level I or II |
Substantial | 11-15 |
Intensive |
Level II or III |
Severe | 16-20 |
Intensive |
Level III or IV |
ASAM - American Society of Addiction Medicine; DSM-IV - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed.
John scored a 2 on the DAST, consistent with his only one-time use of methamphetamine and cocaine. Dr. Bryant reviews these findings with John and explains his recommendation for John to enter residential substance abuse treatment program for his alcohol dependence prior to being discharged back to the shelter. He also reviews with John his recommendations for treatment while he is undergoing substance abuse treatment and after.