Screening tools

The DAST-10 — the drug use screening test, explained

Updated 2026-07-11 · Grounded in: Skinner 1982 (DAST) · Yudko et al. 2007 (DAST-10 review)

The DAST-10 — Drug Abuse Screening Test — is a ten-question yes/no screen for problems related to drug use in the last twelve months. It's the short form of a longer questionnaire developed by psychologist Harvey Skinner in 1982, and it has been used and validated across clinical and research settings for four decades.

It covers drug use other than alcohol: cannabis, stimulants, opioids, sedatives, and prescription medication used outside how it was prescribed. The questions ask about the same things a careful clinician would — control, consequences, and what the use is costing you.

What the ten questions cover

The questions ask, in plain yes/no form: whether you've used drugs beyond medical need, whether you use more than one drug at a time, whether you can stop when you want to, blackouts or flashbacks, guilt, concern from a partner or parents, neglecting family or work, doing something illegal to obtain drugs, withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and medical problems connected to use — like memory loss or overdose.

Each "yes" scores one point (one question — being able to stop — scores when the answer is "no"), so the total runs from 0 to 10.

How the scoring is generally read

Zero is generally read as no reported problems. One or two points suggest a low level — worth watching. A middle range is usually read as a moderate level where a structured plan and possibly professional advice make sense. Higher scores are generally read as substantial or severe, where a proper assessment by a clinician is the right next step.

Two answers carry weight beyond the score: withdrawal symptoms and medical problems. Either one, on its own, is a reason to involve a doctor — stopping some substances abruptly can be medically dangerous, and that's not something any app should manage alone.

Honest limits

A screening tool estimates how risky a pattern looks — it cannot diagnose anyone. Only a qualified clinician can do that, with a real conversation.
Scores describe the recent past you reported. They don't define you, and they change when the pattern changes.
An honest result needs honest answers, and it's normal for the first attempt to soften things. The tool works best as a private conversation with yourself.

Take it privately — no name, no account

The free check-in uses the real, validated questions described above. About three minutes, a plain-words result, and a first step that fits it — including an honest pointer to professional care when that's the right answer.

Start the free check-in

Common questions

Is the DAST-10 a diagnosis?

No. It's a ten-question screen that estimates whether drug use looks risky. Diagnosis requires a qualified clinician. What the DAST-10 gives you is an honest, structured read on whether the pattern deserves attention.

Does the DAST-10 cover alcohol?

No — it deliberately excludes alcohol, which has its own screen (the AUDIT). The DAST covers other substances: cannabis, stimulants, opioids, sedatives, and prescription medication used outside prescription.

Does prescription medication count?

Only when it's used outside how it was prescribed — more than prescribed, someone else's prescription, or for the feeling rather than the condition. Taking your medication as prescribed is not what the test asks about.

What does a DAST-10 score mean?

In general terms: zero is read as no reported problems, one or two as low level, a middle range as moderate — worth a plan — and high scores as substantial to severe, where professional assessment is the sensible next step. Any 'yes' on withdrawal or medical harm deserves a doctor regardless of the total.

Can I take the DAST-10 online for free?

Yes — the free check-in here uses the real DAST-10 questions, takes about three minutes, and is private: no name, no account, and the result is shown to you honestly, including when the right answer is 'see a professional'.

Is it anonymous?

The check-in needs no name and no account. Your answers are protected health data under GDPR, processed only with your explicit consent, and you can have everything deleted at any time.

The Mansio is a private wellness, education, and behaviour-change support tool. It is not a medical device, not therapy, and not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. If you're in crisis, call your local emergency number — crisis help is always free and never requires an account.