Which screening tool is commonly used to screen adolescents for substance-related problems?

• A. CRAFFT
• B. AUDIT
• C. MAST
• D. SASSI

Answer: (A)

Adolescents need a screening approach that is brief, age-appropriate, and validated for youth. CRAFFT fits that need because it is specifically designed for ages roughly 12 to 21 and can be completed quickly in a clinical or school setting. The six questions focus on common patterns and consequences of substance use among teens—Car with someone using substances, Relax when using, Alone while using, Forgetting things while using, Friends who use, and Trouble the user has when using. If two or more responses are affirmative, it signals risk for a substance-related problem and prompts a more in-depth assessment and planned follow-up.

Other tools like AUDIT and MAST are more oriented toward adults, while SASSI has broader use and adolescent versions exist, but CRAFFT remains the most commonly used screening tool specifically for adolescents due to its brevity and youth-focused design.