About the DAST-10
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) was developed by Harvey Skinner in 1982 and has been extensively validated across decades of research. It is a 10-item yes/no questionnaire designed to be completed quickly in clinical and self-screening settings. The DAST-10 excludes alcohol (use the AUDIT alcohol screener for that) and tobacco, focusing on illicit drugs and prescription medication misuse.
The DAST-10 has been validated for use across different age groups, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Multiple studies report sensitivity of 85-95% and specificity of 79-95% depending on the population and scoring threshold used. It is endorsed by SAMHSA and widely used in primary care, emergency departments, criminal justice settings, and addiction treatment programs.
What drugs the DAST-10 covers
The DAST-10 is designed to screen for problems related to all drug use except alcohol and tobacco. This includes cannabis, cocaine, heroin and other opioids, stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamine), sedatives and tranquilizers used non-medically, hallucinogens, inhalants, and prescription medications used in ways other than prescribed or obtained without a prescription. If you are using any prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants differently than prescribed, those uses should be included in your answers.
If your concern involves primarily alcohol, the AUDIT alcohol screener is the appropriate clinical tool. For a broader picture that includes both alcohol and other substances, the addiction severity screener covers the full spectrum.
Understanding your score
Each "Yes" answer scores one point. A score of 0 indicates no reported drug-related problems in the past year. Scores of 1-2 indicate low level of problems, with education recommended. Scores of 3-5 indicate a moderate level, where outpatient assessment and brief intervention are clinically recommended. Scores of 6-8 indicate substantial problems, warranting intensive outpatient or residential assessment. Scores of 9-10 indicate severe drug use problems requiring intensive treatment intervention.
The treatment type comparison tool can help you understand what different levels of clinical care look like, and the relapse prevention plan builder is a practical next step regardless of your score.