Questions to ID Substance Abuse
The Drug Abuse Screening Test is a tool that physicians can use to screen for drug abuse during office visits. Sample questions from the DAST include the following, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy:
▸ Can you get through the week without using drugs?
▸ Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?
▸ Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
▸ Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?
▸ Have you been in trouble at work because of your use of drugs?
▸ Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain 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 (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)?