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Drug Assessment Instruments

Clinicians who work with potential substance abusers are constantly on the lookout for new drug assessement instruments to screen their clients for substance abuse problems, or to determine the effects that drugs and/or alcohol are having on their clients' lives. Over the years, many different types of assessment tools have been developed. Several have gained popularity for a variety of reasons.

  1. CAGE - Adapted to Include Drugs

    • This adaptation of the standard CAGE alcohol assessment was developed in 1991 by Rebeccah Brown and L.A. Rounds. It is a four-question screening test that can be performed in just a few minutes' time. CAGE has a few weaknesses. Because it focuses on use over a person's lifetime, it does not distinguish between current and past problems. Positive responses on a CAGE-AID indicate a need for further discussion and screening. The four questions of CAGE-AID are: "Have you ever felt like you should 'C'ut down on your drinking or substance use?" Have you ever felt 'A'nnoyed by criticism of your drinking or substance use?" "Have you ever felt 'G'uilty about your drinking or substance use?" and "Have you ever used alcohol or drugs as an 'E'ye-opener, to steady your nerves in the morning?"

    Michigan Assessment Screening Test for Alcohol and Drugs

    • The Michigan Assessment Screening Test for Alcohol and Drugs was adapted from the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test in 2004 by Joseph Westermeyer, Ilhan Yorgic and Paul Thuras. It is a 24-item scale designed to assess for the presence and severity of a substance abuse problem. The MAST-AD is especially reliable at pinpointing the extent of a substance abuse problem.

    Adult Substance Use Survey

    • The Adult Substance Use Survey was developed in 1993 by Kenneth Wanberg. It is a self-administered scale that contains 64 items designed to assess for drug and alcohol use, measure how much that use is disrupting the client's life, and assess the client's motivation to change.

    Chemical Dependency Assessment Profile

    • The Chemical Dependency Assessment Profile was developed in 2000 by Thomas Harrell, Michael Honaker and Elizabeth Davis. It is a self-administered instrument that screens for history and patterns of substance use, beliefs and expectations about use, physical and psychological symptoms, impact on relationships and other aspects of daily life and antisocial behavior.

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