Screening

Screening is a quick assessment to identify individuals at risk of alcohol or drug dependence. Screening results signal the need for appropriate, timely follow-up by the practitioner.

A variety of evidence-based tools can be used for screening, including:

• Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement, Screening Test (ASSIST)
• Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge (BOOK)
• Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-Opener (CAGE)
• Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT 2.0)
• Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
• The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9)

Brief Intervention

Brief Intervention is used to increase a patient's insight and awareness about his/her substance use. A healthcare practitioner engages the patient in a brief (10-15 minute) conversation that is nonjudgmental and provides feedback and advice to reduce risky substance use. Examples of brief interventions can be found here.

Brief Treatment or Referral to Treatment

A healthcare practitioner provides a referral to therapy or additional treatment for patients whose screening score indicates a need for more intensive intervention. WellScreen helps the practitioner match the patient with the most appropriate treatment resources, through a collaboration with the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.