CRAFFT Screening Test

CRAFFT Screening Test - Adolescent Substance Use Screener

The CRAFFT screening test is a validated brief assessment tool specifically designed to screen adolescents and young adults for high-risk alcohol and drug use. The acronym CRAFFT represents six key questions: have you ever ridden in a CAR driven by someone (including yourself) who was high or had been using alcohol or drugs; do you ever use alcohol or drugs to RELAX, feel better, or fit in; do you ever use alcohol or drugs while you are by yourself, ALONE; do you ever FORGET things you did while using; do your family or FRIENDS ever tell you that you should cut down; have you ever gotten into TROUBLE while using. This evidence-based instrument is widely used in pediatric, adolescent medicine, school health, and emergency medicine settings to identify youth requiring further substance abuse evaluation. Each affirmative answer scores one point, with a score of 2 or higher indicating significant substance use problems requiring intervention. The CRAFFT has demonstrated superior performance compared to adult screening tools when used with adolescent populations, accounting for developmental and social factors unique to this age group. The tool enables early identification and intervention during critical developmental periods when substance use patterns are forming.