DAST-23: Drug Abuse Screening Test

Developed by Deen Mohd, the DAST-23 has proven to be accurate in assessing the presence and severity of drug abuse or substance use problems. The DAST-23 covers various aspects of drug use, such as consequences, frequency, quantity, and dependence. Below are the 23 questions related to your behavior and drug use experiences. Choose the most appropriate response that best describes your drug use behavior.

Question 1 of 23

Have you ever felt the need to use drugs first thing in the morning?

Question 2 of 23

Do you find it difficult to stop or cut back on drug use, even when you want to?

Question 3 of 23

Have you ever borrowed money for your drug habit?

Question 4 of 23

Have you ever been arrested or faced legal issues related to drug use?

Question 5 of 23

Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit or reduce drug use?

Question 6 of 23

Do you spend a significant amount of time thinking about drugs or planning drug use?

Question 7 of 23

Have you tried to quit or cut back on drug use but failed?

Question 8 of 23

Have you lost interest in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy because of drug use?

Question 9 of 23

Have you experienced blackouts or memory loss while using drugs?

Question 10 of 23

Do you hide or lie about your drug use?

Question 11 of 23

Do you use drugs as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression?

Question 12 of 23

Have you experienced negative effects on your physical health due to drug use?

Question 13 of 23

Do you find it challenging to have fun or relax without using drugs?

Question 14 of 23

Have you neglected personal hygiene or appearance due to drug use?

Question 15 of 23

Do you experience intense cravings or urges to use drugs?

Question 16 of 23

Have you lost friendships or relationships because of your drug use?

Question 17 of 23

Do you experience feelings of guilt or shame related to your drug use?

Question 18 of 23

Do you frequently experience mood swings or irritability when not using drugs?

Question 19 of 23

Do you need drugs to function or feel normal?

Question 20 of 23

Do you feel socially isolated or withdrawn because of drug use?

Question 21 of 23

Have you experienced changes in sleep patterns or insomnia due to drug use?

Question 22 of 23

Do you find it difficult to concentrate or focus without using drugs?

Question 23 of 23

Do you experience intense anxiety or distress when you're unable to use drugs?

Interpreting the DrD-DAST-23©

Drdeenz’s technical team has worked hard to develop tools that can accurately score responses. This means that your responses are scored, and each response has its own positive and negative scoring. The total score provides an indication of the severity and level of risk associated with drug abuse.

Low Level: No problems reported, This level suggests that individual has a very low level of drug abuse with no consequences and impairment in daily functioning.

Mild Level: This level indicates that the individual has a low level with limited negative consequences and minimal impairment in daily functioning.

Moderate level: Individuals with a moderate level of drug abuse experience negative consequences and impairments in various areas of life, including social, economic, mental and physical health issues.

Substantial level: This suggests that the individuals have a sever drug abuse effect but not too severe and they are likely experiencing notable negative consequences and impairment in various areas of your life due to drug use including social, economic, mental and physical health issues.

Severe level: This level represents a high level of drug abuse, characterized by significant negative consequences, severe impairment in daily functioning, and an increased risk of physical, social and psychological harm.

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