Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10)
What Is the DAST-10?
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) was developed by Skinner in 1982 as a brief screen for drug-related problems over the past 12 months. Its 10 items cover dependence, social consequences, health effects, and more.
The DAST-10 does not cover alcohol -- the AUDIT already handles that. Together, they give a more complete picture of substance use.
Who It's For
- Adults and adolescents (12+)
- Primary care, mental health, and addiction treatment settings
- Clinical screening and epidemiological research
Scoring
Item 3 is reverse-scored. Total range 0-10:
| Score | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No risk |
| 1-2 | Low |
| 3-5 | Moderate |
| 6-8 | Substantial |
| 9-10 | Severe |
Psychometrics
The DAST-10 shows good internal consistency (alpha = 0.86-0.94) across multiple populations, and strong correlation with DSM substance use disorder diagnoses (sensitivity 0.82-0.89, specificity 0.76-0.87).
Disclaimer: The DAST-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Results should not replace a professional clinical evaluation.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 10 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.