What substances do these tools screen for?

Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, and other drugs.

The single-item NIDA Quick Screen tool should be used in combination with the NM-ASSIST. A “Yes” response to the NIDA Quick Screen should be followed by administration of the NM-ASSIST.

Are these tools appropriate to use with people with HIV?

The NIDA Quick Screen and NM-ASSIST are recommended for universal screening. However, no study has specifically examined their use among people with HIV.

Who administers and scores the tools?

• Optimally self-administered by clients either electronically or on paper.
• If screening verbally, by a staff person or health care provider who has been trained to administer the NIDA Quick Screen and NM-ASSIST, reading questions as written and not providing any additional information until after completion.
• Scoring should be completed by a trained staff person or healthcare provider.

Have these tools been validated?

Yes, the NIDA Quick Screen and NM-ASSIST tools have been evaluated against multiple substance use screening tools (e.g., CRAFFT, SURP). Sensitivity is found to range between 13% to 82%, and specificity between 85% and 99%, depending on substance.

Please see reference list: 21, 22, 23, and 24