Drug addiction questionnaire

About the DAST-10 Questionnaire

A diagnostic questionnaire may be used as the first step in determining if your drug use has developed into an addiction. The DAST-10 is a screening test designed to measure the extent and involvement of drug use in adults and older youths. Questionnaire responses are scored by a medical or mental health professional to identify the presence or potential risk of developing a drug addiction. The DAST-10, however, does not need to be administered by a professional. If you are concerned with the extent of your drug use, you can use the test as a self-reporting tool to determine if you should seek help.

The DAST-10, or Drug Abuse Screening Test, contains 10 “yes” or “no” questions relevant to how often you use the drug, how the use of the drug affects your well-being and relationships with others and any physical or psychological symptoms you experience as a result of using the drug. The questions are designed to better understand how much of an impact drug use is having on your life.

Answers are scored on a scale of 1 through 10. “Yes” answers receive 1 point, and “no” answers receive 0 points (except for question 3). The total number of points at the end of the questionnaire determines the level of concern regarding your use or abuse of drugs. The higher the number, the greater the concern. The number of points and levels also corresponds with recommended courses of action.

DAST-10 scoring

No evidence of drug abuse
No intervention required

1 to 2

Low concern
Continued monitoring suggested

3 to 5

Moderate concern
Further inquiry necessary

6 to 8

Substantial concern
Assessment required

9 to 10

Severe concern
Assessment required

In the event results indicate a drug problem

If the results of the DAST-10 indicate drug abuse or addiction, there are many services and treatment options available to assist you in your recovery. If your GP administered the questionnaire, they may be the first to suggest addiction support and rehabilitation. Depending on the progression of your addiction, your GP will likely refer you to resources and services dedicated to addiction recovery or to a drug rehab centre.

Addiction recovery can take place in an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation centre. Outpatient and inpatient centres differ in several ways. Receiving treatment at a private drug rehab centre like Sanctuary Lodge provides a more immersive, holistic approach to addiction recovery than outpatient programmes.

Coming to terms with the reality of having a drug addiction may be an unsettling experience, but it can also empower you to seek and discover the resources, help and support available to assist you in your recovery. Contact us at Sanctuary Lodge today to start on your recovery journey.