Screening Tools for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Why Should Patients Be Screened?

Screening allows healthcare providers to initiate conversations with patients regarding their alcohol and drug use and provide early interventions if needed.^1,2 Screening may take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete and can help identify specific behaviors that may be preconditional to substance abuse.

Who Should Be Screened?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends healthcare professionals screen all patients for OUD at least annually.² SAMHSA supports use of the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model.^1,3

What Is SBIRT and Why Use It?

SBIRT is an evidence-based model designed to help reduce and prevent risky alcohol and drug use.^1-3

• Screening: allows identification of patients who may have a substance abuse problem
• Brief Intervention: helps to increase a patient’s awareness of substance abuse and work towards changing behavioral patterns
• Referral to Treatment: patients requiring more intensive treatment are referred to an appropriate treatment program

The SBIRT model increases the number of patients who receive specialized treatment, reduces the severity of drug and alcohol use, and decreases healthcare costs.³

The following table includes validated screening tools for identifying substance use disorders.^4-7

^{Adapted from the NIDA Screening and Assessment Tools Chart}

For detailed information on each screening tool, click the links below.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance Use (TAPS)

Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-Opener Questions Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID)

Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10, DAST-20)

Universal screening with a validated tool can help prescribers identify a patient's risk for substance use disorder and offer an appropriate intervention.¹

Technical Assistance Publication Series (TAP 33)

Chapter 3 provides guidance on implementing the SBIRT model.

OUD remains a national health crisis affecting millions of Americans. The SBIRT model can play a key role in reducing and preventing risky alcohol and drug use. Many screening tools are available to help identify patients with substance use disorder and determine an appropriate course of action.