The World Health Organization’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a tool used to assess an individual’s level of involvement with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. The test consists of eight questions, each of which is scored on a scale of 0 to 3. The scores are then totaled to provide an overall score, which can range from 0 to 24.

The World Health Organization’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)

1. In the past 3 months, how often have you used alcohol?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
2. In the past 3 months, how often have you used tobacco products?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
3. In the past 3 months, how often have you used marijuana or hashish?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
4. In the past 3 months, how often have you used cocaine or crack?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
5. In the past 3 months, how often have you used amphetamines or methamphetamines?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
6. In the past 3 months, how often have you used sedatives or tranquillizers?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
7. In the past 3 months, how often have you used opioids or heroin?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more
8. In the past 3 months, how often have you used other drugs not mentioned above?
   0- Never
   1- Less than once a month
   2- Once a month or more, but less than weekly
   3- Weekly or more

Scores Calculation

Add up the results for all 8 questions. The overall score might be between 0 and 24. An engagement level of 8 or higher is considered moderate, while an involvement level of 17 or more is considered severe.

It’s crucial to remember that this test is only a screening one and not a diagnostic one. To confirm a diagnosis and choose the best course of therapy, more testing and evaluation are required.

Conclusion 

You should be aware that this is a screening test, not a final diagnosis. Additional tests and assessment are necessary to confirm a diagnosis and choose an appropriate treatment strategy. To get an accurate diagnosis, it is best utilised by a clinician in conjunction with other tests and data.

Also Read: The Alcohol Dependence Test – The Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS)