Is there a Drug Problem?
Focus Healthcare of Tennessee
A Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
How do I know if there is a drug problem?
The DAST-20 (Durg Abuse Screening Test – 20) is a widely used test that can help assess whether you or a loved one has a drug problem. The test takes about five minutes to complete.
The following questions concern information about your potential involvement with drugs not including alcoholic beverages. Carefully read each statement and then check the appropriate box beside the question.
In the statements, "abuse" refers to the use of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs in excess of the direction, and any non-medical use of drugs.
Please answer every question. If you have difficulty with a statement, choose the response that is mostly right.
These questions refer to the past twelve months.
| Question | Yes | No |
| Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons? | ||
| Have you abused prescription drugs? | ||
| Do you abuse more than one drug at a time? | ||
| Can you get through the week without using drugs? | ||
| Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to? | ||
| Have you had blackouts or flashbacks as a result of drug use? | ||
| Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use? | ||
| Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs? | ||
| Has drug abuse created problems between you and your spouse or your parents? | ||
| Have you lost friends because of your use of drugs? | ||
| Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs? | ||
| Have you been in trouble at work because of drug abuse? | ||
| Have you lost a job because of drug abuse? | ||
| Have you gotten into fights when under the influence of drugs? | ||
| Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs? | ||
| Have you been arrested for possession of illegal drugs? | ||
| Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs? | ||
| Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (for example, memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding)? | ||
| Have you gone to anyone for help for a drug problem? | ||
| Have you been involved in a treatment program specifically related to drug use? |
Your Score
The quiz is scored by allocating one point to each "yes" answer, except for questions 4 and 5, where the point is allocated for each "no" answer.
- Total your score:
- 6 – 10: A score of six to ten points indicates a moderate drug problem.
- 11 – 15: A score of eleven to fifteen points suggests a substantial drug problem.
- 16 or higher: A score of sixteen or more points indicates a severe drug problem. A follow-up evaluation by a professional is recommended.
1982 By the Addiction Research Foundation. Author: Harvey A. Skinner, PhD.