SBIRT Screening Tools

Many of the screening tools below are often used in clinical settings, and some can be used for reimbursement.  While most of these instruments are intended for adults, two have been specially designed for asking adolescents about substance use and other high-risk behaviors.

• NIAAA Low Risk Drinking Guidelines (English & Spanish)
  Developed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking over these guidelines puts one at greater risk for illness and injury.
• Health Needs History (Adult)
  Created by Drs. Edward and Judith Bernstein for use in the emergency department by Project ASSERT.
• AUDIT
  Developed by the World Health Organization, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test determines harmful alcohol consumption.  It was validated for international use.
• AUDIT-C
  The shorter version of the original AUDIT, this serves the same purpose, but only asks three questions.
• DAST-10
  Developed in 1982 by the Addiction Research Foundation, the Drug Abuse Screening Test is considered reliable and diagnostically valid.

Adolescent-specific:

• Health Needs History (Adolescent)
  Created by Drs. Edward and Judith Bernstein for use in the pediatric emergency department by Project ASSERT staff.
• CRAFFT
  Developed by Children’s Hospital Boston, this screening tool is for use with children under 21 years old.  It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Substance Abuse.