If the early stages of substance use disorder can be spotted it might facilitate early intervention. Just a few key questions may help identify individuals who may be at risk of substance use.

For example, the World Health Organization’s Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) may help determine if an individual is engaged in hazardous, harmful or dependent substance use.

It consists of eight questions about alcohol, tobacco and drug use (including injection drug use). A more recent tool consisting of four questions is the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance (TAPS).^5,7