Overview
Drug Abuse Screening Test – 10 item version (DAST-10) is a widely used, evidence-based screening tool designed to identify problematic drug use and related consequences, excluding alcohol and tobacco.
Originally developed by Dr. Harvey A. Skinner, DAST-10 is commonly used across mental health, addiction, and primary care settings to support early identification, clinical decision-making, and treatment planning.
What Does DAST-10 Measure?
DAST-10 assesses non-medical use of drugs and the impact of that use on an individual’s life over the past 12 months.
It focuses on:
- Drug-related behaviors
- Psychological and social consequences
- Loss of control related to drug use
- Problems caused by drug use
The tool provides a quick snapshot of severity, helping clinicians determine whether further assessment or intervention is needed.
Who Is DAST-10 For?
DAST-10 can be used with:
- Adolescents and adults
- Clients in mental health or addiction treatment
- Individuals in primary care or integrated care settings
It is commonly used by:
- Therapists and psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Addiction counselors
- Primary care clinicians
- Community health programs
How DAST-10 Is Scored
DAST-10 consists of 10 yes/no questions related to drug use and its consequences.
Scoring Method
- Each “Yes” response scores 1 point
- Each “No” response scores 0 point
Total Score Range
- Minimum score: 0
- Minimum score: 10
Higher scores indicate greater severity of drug-related problems.
How DAST-10 Is Used
DAST-10 is commonly administered:
- During intake or initial assessment
- As part of routine screening
- To monitor changes in drug use over time
- To guide referrals or treatment planning
It is especially useful for identifying concerns early, even when substance use is not the client’s primary presenting issue.
Interpreting DAST-10 Scores
General interpretation guidelines include:
- 0: No problems reported
- 1–2: Low level of problems
- 3–5: Moderate level of problems
- 6–8: Substantial level of problems
- 9–10: Severe level of problems
Scores should always be interpreted within clinical context and followed by appropriate discussion or assessment.
Using DAST-10 on Our Platform
When delivered through our platform, DAST-10 enables clinicians to:
- Screen for drug-related concerns efficiently
- Identify emerging substance use issues early
- Track score changes over time
- Generate clear, readable reports
- Support treatment planning and clinical documentation
This enables clinicians to address substance use concerns consistently, ethically, and transparently.
Clinical Considerations
- DAST-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure
- It does not assess alcohol or tobacco use
- Follow-up assessment may be required for elevated scores
- Client honesty and therapeutic rapport are essential for accurate results
Skinner, H. A. (1982).
Drug Abuse Screening Test. Addictive Behaviors, 7(4), 363–371.
Skinner, H. A., Samadi, S., Khan, S. B., & Crowley, L. (2024).
Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST): First 40 Years and Future Developments.
The Canadian Journal of Addiction, 15(4), 6–13.
https://doi.org/10.1097/CXA.0000000000000222
Yudko, E., Lozhkina, O., & Fouts, A. (2007).
A comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of DAST.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 32(2), 189–198.
It screens for drug use excluding alcohol and tobacco.
It uses a yes/no response format.
Adults in clinical or community settings.
Greater severity of drug-related problems.
Yes, particularly alongside treatment.
Yes. It is designed to be quick and simple.
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