Substance abuse in adolescents can be simple experimentation, or an indication of a serious underlying behavioral condition. A simple score can help assess the significance of the substance use.
Parameters:
(1) age
(2) sex
(3) family history of drug abuse
(4) setting for use
(5) patient's affect before substance use
(6) school performance
(7) use before driving
(8) history of accidents
(9) time of week when used
(10) type of substance abused
|
Variable |
Finding |
Points |
|
age |
> 15 years of age |
0 |
|
|
<= 15 years of age |
1 |
|
sex |
male |
0 |
|
|
female |
1 |
|
family history of drug abuse |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
1 |
|
setting of drug use |
in group |
0 |
|
|
alone |
2 |
|
affect before drug use |
happy |
0 |
|
|
sad |
2 |
|
school performance |
good or improving |
0 |
|
|
always poor |
1 |
|
|
recently poor |
2 |
|
use before driving |
none |
0 |
|
|
yes |
2 |
|
history of accident |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
2 |
|
time of week |
weekend |
0 |
|
|
weekdays after school |
1 |
|
|
before school |
2 |
|
type of substance |
marijuana, beer, wine |
0 |
|
|
hallucinogens, amphetamines |
1 |
|
|
whiskey, opiates, cocaine, barbiturates |
2 |
score =
= SUM(points for variable findings)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 17 (although reference says 18)
|
Score |
Assessment |
|
0 - 3 |
less worrisome |
|
4 - 8 |
serious |
|
9 - 17 |
very serious |
(breakpoints in reference are 0-3, 3-8, and 8 to 17)
Specialty: Psychiatry
ICD-10: ,
