DAST-10 Screening Tool: Free Drug Abuse Screening Test Online
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Worried that drug use may be affecting your health, relationships, or daily life? The DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) is a widely used 10-item screening tool in mental health and addiction settings. On LuriaLab you can take the free DAST-10 screening tool online and get instant scoring with clear severity bands.
What Is DAST in Mental Health?
DAST stands for Drug Abuse Screening Test. In mental health care, it helps identify whether someone may have drug-related problems that deserve further assessment or support. The DAST-10 is the short 10-question version most often used in clinics, primary care, and counseling.
Important: DAST screens for problems related to drugs other than alcohol and tobacco. If alcohol is your main concern, a different instrument (such as AUDIT) is usually more appropriate.
What Does the DAST-10 Screening Tool Measure?
Each item is a yes/no question about drug use over your lifetime, covering themes such as:
- Whether use caused health, legal, or relationship problems
- Loss of control or inability to cut down
- Guilt, shame, or concern from family or friends
- Neglect of responsibilities because of drugs
DAST is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A qualified clinician determines whether substance use disorder or another condition applies.
How DAST-10 Scoring Works
Most items score 1 point for “yes.” Item 3 is reverse-scored (a “no” counts as 1). Total scores range from 0 to 10. On LuriaLab, your result is shown with standard bands:
- 0 — no problems indicated on this screener
- 1–2 — low level of drug-related problems
- 3–5 — moderate problems; further assessment may help
- 6–8 — substantial problems
- 9–10 — severe problems; professional support is recommended
Who Should Take the DAST Screen?
Adults and adolescents in counseling, employee assistance programs, or self-reflection who want a confidential first look at drug-related risk. Therapists and researchers also use DAST-10 to track change over time.
Substance use often overlaps with depression and anxiety. After your DAST result, consider PHQ-9 or GAD-7 on LuriaLab if mood or worry is also a concern.
What to Do After Your Results
- Read your score band without panic — screening points toward next steps, not a label.
- Consider talking to a counselor or addiction specialist if your score is moderate or higher.
- Reach out for crisis support if you are in immediate danger — call emergency services or a crisis line.
- Download your report to share in a consultation if you choose.
Take the Free DAST-10 on LuriaLab
Ready for a confidential drug abuse screen? Take the DAST-10 on LuriaLab — free, anonymous, and scored automatically.
Important: This test is for educational screening only and does not replace medical or psychiatric evaluation. In the United States, SAMHSA's National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).