AOD Abuse Screening

The processes of screening, assessment, and diagnosis of AOD use disorders are not synonymous. An AOD abuse-screening instrument is a tool used to identify clients who have a high probability for AOD use disorders. It is used to determine whether a diagnostic assessment is needed. For example, the CAGE questionnaire, which consists of four questions, has demonstrated a fairly high validity. The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) and the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) and Addiction Severity Index 5th Edition (ASI) are other widely used screening instruments that have proven useful. The ideal screening tool identifies most people with the disorder and will not select many people without the disorder. Screening tools identify people who require further diagnostic evaluation.