When you start the admissions process to enter a rehab center, you’ll likely follow a set of tests to understand your condition. Part of this process includes completing a drug health screening assessment. This is used to validate the risk level of a substance use disorder. Clinicians use these health screening tests to get an overall idea of someone’s struggle with addiction.
Evidence-based Screening Tools & Assessments
Currently, there are various evidence-based screening tools available for clinicians and other healthcare professionals to help recognize and pinpoint a substance use disorder. These health screening tests are available in:
- Pain management settings
- Dental settings
- Family medicine settings
- Pediatric medicine settings
Health Screenings for Adolescents
Because adolescent’s behaviors around substance use are different, there are specific tools out there that help clinicians, parents, and other concerned family members understand the impact of the teen’s substance use.
| Tool | Substance Type | Administration |
| Screening to Brief Intervention (S2BI) | Alcohol & Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| Brief Screener for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (BSTAD) | Alcohol & Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use (TAPS) | Alcohol & Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth | Alcohol | Clinician-administered |
|
Assessments |
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| CRAFFT | Alcohol & Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST-20) | Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth (NIAAA) | Alcohol | Clinician-administered |
Health Screenings for Adults
While tools for adults can be easier to use, adults also know how to disguise the symptoms and struggles of their substance use better. This makes it extra challenging for clinicians and addiction specialists to understand the full extent of someone’s substance use.
| Tool | Substance Type | Administration |
| Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use (TAPS) | Alcohol & Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| NIDA Drug Use Screening Tool (NMASSIST) | Alcohol & Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
| Opioid Risk Tool | Drugs | Self-administered |
| Helping Patients Who Drink Too Much | Alcohol | Clinician-administered |
|
Assessments |
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| Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST-10) | Drugs | Self-administered & Clinician-administered |
Other evidence-based assessment tools:
- Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale
- McCaffrey Initial Pain Assessment Tool
- Pain Assessment and Documentation Tool
- Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Why Are Drug Health Screening Assessments Important?
One would think that all addiction treatment centers conduct health screening assessments in their admission process. However, you’d be surprised how many don’t. Drug health screenings and assessments help therapists develop tailored addiction treatment plans that address a person’s unique qualities. Companies also use these tools to provide a drug-free workplace. In this case, blood tests and urine samples are collected to detect any drug and alcohol that could be a warning sign of substance abuse. Employee drug testing can occur before hiring someone or sporadically to see addiction problems; this is common in healthcare and government job environments. Drug and health screening tests also help rehab centers understand the types of drugs someone is using and whether or not they’re using prescription drugs at the moment. In the end, by tapping into these resources, clinicians can offer a better and more personalized approach to treatment that yields better long-term results.
Does Lighthouse Recovery Institute Use Screening Tests?
Yes. Our drug and health screening assessment does not disqualify a potential patient. Instead, it helps our therapists understand the level of care someone will need based on their addiction severity. Our admission process involves an initial phone call screening to gather basic information. After this, we move to a more comprehensive screening process with our therapists, clinicians, and addiction specialists. Finally, once a patient gets ready to enter our rehab center, we complete total health and physical assessment to understand any medical issues and other components that will play a role in determining the course of detox and other programs. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact our admission office today to start our complimentary and confidential drug health screening and assessment.
