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DAST-10 Calculator — Drug Abuse Screening Test

Score the 10-item Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) for the past 12 months — 0 to 10 with the degree of drug-related problems (none, low, moderate, substantial, severe) and the suggested next step.

1. Have you used drugs other than those needed for medical reasons?

2. Do you use more than one drug at a time?

3. Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?

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?

6. Does your spouse, partner or a parent 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 to obtain drugs?

9. Have you had withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?

10. Have you had medical problems as a result of drug use (e.g. memory loss, hepatitis, seizures, bleeding)?

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How it works

DAST-10 = number of yes answers to items 1, 2 and 4–10 + 1 if item 3 is answered No; 0–10. 0 none · 1–2 low · 3–5 moderate · 6–8 substantial · 9–10 severe.

The Drug Abuse Screening Test (Skinner, 1982) is a self-report screen for problems related to drug use other than alcohol and tobacco; the 10-item version keeps the psychometric strength of the 28-item original. Questions cover the past 12 months, and item 3 is reverse-scored. The degree bands and suggested actions follow the guidance published with the instrument: monitor at 1–2, investigate further at 3–5 and arrange intensive assessment at 6 or more.

Worked example

Someone has used non-prescribed drugs in the past year (1), uses more than one at a time (1), is not always able to stop when they want (1) and feels guilty about their use (1); all other answers are no: DAST-10 = 4 / 10 — a moderate level of problems, calling for further investigation.

Sources: Skinner HA. The Drug Abuse Screening Test. Addict Behav 1982 · Yudko E et al. A comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of the Drug Abuse Screening Test. J Subst Abuse Treat 2007

Frequently asked questions

What is a high DAST-10 score?

6–8 is a substantial and 9–10 a severe level of drug-related problems, both calling for an intensive assessment. 3–5 is moderate and warrants further investigation.

Does the DAST-10 include alcohol?

No. It covers illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Use the AUDIT or CAGE for alcohol and the Fagerström test for nicotine.

Why does answering No to question 3 add a point?

Question 3 asks whether you are always able to stop using drugs when you want to. Not being able to stop is the problem response, so No scores 1 and Yes scores 0.

Is the DAST-10 a diagnosis?

No. It is a screening tool. A clinician uses it to decide whether a full assessment for a substance use disorder is needed.

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A screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can diagnose. If you or someone you care for is in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services or a crisis line now.