DAST-10: Drug Abuse Screening Test

The DAST-10 is a 10-item validated yes/no screening tool for problematic drug use (excluding alcohol). Score 0–10; ≥3 indicates moderate drug problems requiring further assessment. Public domain. Skinner (1982). Free for clinical use.

What is the DAST-10?

The DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) is a brief validated self-report screening tool for identifying problems associated with drug misuse (excluding alcohol, which is covered by the AUDIT or CAGE). The original 28-item DAST was developed by Harvey Skinner (1982); the validated 10-item short form was derived by Gavin, Ross, and Skinner (1989). The DAST-10 has high sensitivity and specificity for DSM drug use disorder diagnoses.

The 10 items ask about drug use behaviors over the past 12 months. Most items score 1 point for "Yes," with one item (item 3) reverse-scored (1 point for "No"). Total scores range from 0 to 10. A score of 3 or higher indicates moderate drug problems and warrants further clinical assessment or referral.

The DAST-10 is in the public domain and endorsed by SAMHSA, NIDA, and multiple national substance use treatment guidelines. It is suitable for use in primary care, emergency departments, behavioral health, and substance use treatment settings.

Educational reference only. Cannot diagnose or replace clinical evaluation. This tool does not screen for alcohol use.

DAST-10 Score Interpretation

Gavin, Ross & Skinner (1989). DAST-10 excludes alcohol, use AUDIT or CAGE for alcohol screening. A score of 3+ warrants further clinical evaluation.

Substance Use Screening in HiBoop

DAST-10 alongside AUDIT, CAGE, and CRAFFT, automated scoring and longitudinal outcome tracking for substance use across your patient panel.