Asking for help with drug use is terrifying. There is the fear of judgment, the fear of legal trouble, and perhaps the biggest fear of all—the fear of having to stop.
Because of this, many people suffer in silence. They tell themselves, “I can handle it,” or “I only do it on weekends.” But deep down, they might notice the cracks forming—the missed deadlines, the strained relationships, or the money disappearing.
If you are questioning your relationship with substances (prescription or recreational), you need a safe, private way to get an answer.
The Science: Focusing on Consequences
The DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) is one of the most respected tools in addiction medicine.
Unlike some tests that obsess over how much you use (which can vary wildly depending on the drug), the DAST-10 focuses on the consequences of that use. It asks: Is this affecting your work? Are you fighting with family about it? Do you feel bad about it?
This “consequence-based” approach is powerful because it cuts through the denial. You might argue that your dosage is “normal,” but you can’t argue with the fact that you lost your job or your partner is upset.
The Tool: DAST-10
This is a brief, 10-item questionnaire. It is a condensed version of the longer DAST-20, designed to be quick and easy to complete. It covers the past 12 months.
👉 Take the Test: DAST-10 Drug Abuse Screen
What To Do With Your Score
The DAST-10 categorizes risk into four levels:
- Score 0 (No Problems): No evidence of drug abuse.
- Score 1-2 (Low Level): Monitor your behavior. You might be experimenting, but risks are present.
- Score 3-5 (Moderate Level): Further investigation is needed. Your use is starting to impact your life negatively.
- Score 6-10 (Substantial/Severe Level): This indicates a high likelihood of a substance use disorder. Intensive assessment and treatment are highly recommended.
Safety & Disclaimer
This tool is for educational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis.
- Anonymity: This test is completely anonymous. PsychKit does not store your data.
- Withdrawal Warning: If you are physically dependent on certain substances (like benzodiazepines or opioids), stopping suddenly can be life-threatening. Do not quit “cold turkey” alone. Please consult a medical professional for a safe detox plan.
- Emergency: If you have overdosed or are in a medical emergency, call emergency services immediately.
References
- Skinner, H. A. (1982). The Drug Abuse Screening Test. Addictive Behaviors.
- Yudko, E., Lozano, O., & Fouth, W. (2007). Psychometric properties of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) in a psychiatric patient population. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.
- Gavin, D. R., Ross, H. E., & Skinner, H. A. (1989). Diagnostic validity of the Drug Abuse Screening Test in the assessment of DSM-III drug disorders. British Journal of Addiction.