DAST-10
Drug Abuse Screening Test (10-item)
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (10-item) (DAST-10) is a 10-item substance use assessment for adults. It typically takes about 5 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 10 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
10
5 min
adult
0–10
About the DAST-10
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (10-item) (DAST-10) is a 10-item substance use assessment for adults. It typically takes about 5 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 10 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
First published in 1982 by Skinner HA, the DAST-10 is in the public domain and free to use without permission or fees. With Psyche Assess you can send the DAST-10 to clients online, score it automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report in seconds.
DAST-10 questions
- 1
Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?
No · Yes - 2
Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?
No · Yes - 3
Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?
No · Yes - 4
Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of drug use?
No · Yes - 5
Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
No · Yes - 6
Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs?
No · Yes - 7
Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?
No · Yes - 8
Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?
No · Yes - 9
Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?
No · Yes - 10
Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)?
No · Yes
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–0 | No problems reported | Below threshold for further assessment. |
| 1–2 | Low level | Low level of problems — monitor; reassess at a later date. |
| 3–5 | Moderate level | Moderate level — further investigation recommended. |
| 6–8 | Substantial level | Substantial problems — intensive assessment recommended. |
| 9–10 | Severe level | Severe — intensive assessment and probable substance-use disorder treatment. |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Frequently asked questions
How many items does the DAST-10 have?
The DAST-10 has 10 items and takes about 5 minutes to complete.
How is the DAST-10 scored?
Item responses are summed for a total score from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate greater severity. Totals fall into the interpretive bands shown above.
Is the DAST-10 free to use?
Yes — the DAST-10 is in the public domain and free to use, reproduce, and translate.
Who is the DAST-10 for?
The DAST-10 is designed for adult and is used by clinicians, researchers, and integrated-care teams.
Source & references
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