Which assessment instrument is specifically used for screening substance abuse, with a focus on drug use rather than alcohol?

• A. MMPI
• B. DAST
• C. SCID
• D. AEQ

Answer: (B)

The key idea is identifying a brief screening tool that targets drug use specifically, not alcohol. The Drug Abuse Screening Test is designed for this purpose: it focuses on problems related to drug use (illegal drugs and non-alcohol substances) and uses simple items to flag potential abuse or dependence, making it ideal for quick screening and determining if a fuller assessment is needed.

The MMPI is a broad personality and psychopathology measure, not a focused screen for drug problems. The SCID is a structured diagnostic interview used to establish DSM diagnoses, which is more in-depth than a quick screen. The AEQ looks at expectations about alcohol effects and is centered on drinking, not drugs. So among these options, the Drug Abuse Screening Test best fits the goal of screening specifically for drug-related substance abuse.