Which assessment tool is used to screen for adolescent substance abuse?

Which assessment tool is used to screen for adolescent substance abuse?

• A. RAAPS
• B. CRAFFT
• C. PHQ-2
• D. HEEADSSS

Answer: (B)

Screening adolescents for substance use is best done with a brief, validated tool designed specifically for teens. CRAFFT is that tool; it’s a short six-item screen that probes behaviors and consequences related to alcohol and other drugs, using the Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, and Trouble prompts to quickly identify risk. It’s widely used in primary care because it reliably signals whether a more in-depth assessment or brief intervention is warranted. By contrast, RAAPS is a broader preventive-screens tool, PHQ-2 screens for depressive symptoms, and HEEADSSS is a comprehensive psychosocial interview framework rather than a focused substance-use screen. So CRAFFT is the most appropriate choice for screening adolescent substance abuse.

Screening adolescents for substance use is best done with a brief, validated tool designed specifically for teens. CRAFFT is that tool; it’s a short six-item screen that probes behaviors and consequences related to alcohol and other drugs, using the Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, and Trouble prompts to quickly identify risk. It’s widely used in primary care because it reliably signals whether a more in-depth assessment or brief intervention is warranted. By contrast, RAAPS is a broader preventive-screens tool, PHQ-2 screens for depressive symptoms, and HEEADSSS is a comprehensive psychosocial interview framework rather than a focused substance-use screen. So CRAFFT is the most appropriate choice for screening adolescent substance abuse.