DAST-10 [Drug Abuse Screening Test]

The DAST-10 is a brief self-report instrument commonly used to screen for drug abuse problems.

Created by Dr. Harvey A. Skinner. May be reproduced for non-commercial use. Copyright is held by Dr. Skinner and the Center for Addiction and Mental Health

More: doi:10.1016/0306-4603(82)90005-3

Below are a list of questions about your potential involvement with drugs, excluding alcohol and tobacco, during the past 12 months.When the words “drug abuse” are used, they mean the use of prescribed or over‐the‐counter medications/drugs in excess of the directions and any non‐medical use of drugs. The various classes of drugs may include: cannabis (e.g., marijuana, hash), solvents, 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 alcohol or tobacco.If you have difficulty with a statement, then choose the response that is mostly right. You may choose to answer or not answer any of the questions in this section.

These questions refer to the past 12 months. They do not include alcohol or tobacco. NO YES
1. Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?
2. Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?
3. Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to? (If never use drugs, answer 'Yes')
4. Have you had 'blackouts' or 'flashbacks' as a result of drug use?
5. Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use? (If never use drugs, choose 'No')
6. Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs?
7. Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?
8. Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?
9. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?
10. Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g. memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)?


 

Self-report scales are for screening purposes only, and must be interpreted by a qualified health professional in conjunction with clinical assessment. They cannot be used alone for diagnostic or treatment purposes.