Drug Addiction Dast-10 Questionnaire
What is the DAST-10 questionnaire?
If you’re questioning whether your drug use has become problematic, the DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) can serve as an initial assessment tool. Designed to evaluate the extent of drug use in adults and older adolescents, this screening test helps identify potential risks of addiction. Healthcare professionals typically score the responses to determine whether intervention may be necessary. However, the DAST-10 is not limited to clinical settings—it can also be used as a self-assessment tool to gauge whether seeking professional help might be beneficial.
How the DAST-10 Works
The questionnaire consists of 10 “yes” or “no” questions, each aimed at assessing:
- The frequency and impact of drug use
- How substance use affects mental and physical health
- The influence of drug use on personal relationships and daily life
Each “yes” response scores 1 point, while “no” responses score 0 points (except for question 3, which is scored differently). The final score provides insight into the level of concern and potential next steps.
Interpreting DAST-10 results
| Score | Level of Concern | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No evidence of drug abuse | No intervention needed |
| 1 – 2 | Low concern | Ongoing monitoring suggested |
| 3 – 5 | Moderate concern | Further assessment recommended |
| 6 – 8 | Significant concern | A formal evaluation is advised |
| 9 – 10 | Severe concern | Immediate professional assessment |
Seeking Support for Drug Addiction
If your DAST-10 results suggest a possible substance abuse problem, a range of support services and treatment options are available to help you regain control. If the questionnaire was administered by your GP, they will likely guide you toward appropriate addiction recovery resources, including rehabilitation centres or outpatient support services.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Rehabilitation options include both inpatient and outpatient programmes, each offering different levels of care. While outpatient services allow for treatment alongside daily responsibilities, private inpatient facilities like those provided by UKAT centres around the country provide a structured, immersive environment designed for deeper recovery.
Acknowledging a substance abuse issue can be challenging, but it’s also the first step toward healing. Support is available, and you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact UKAT today to start your recovery journey.