For unhealthy drug use, what best describes screening?

For unhealthy drug use, what best describes screening?

• A. Testing biological specimens for drugs
• B. Conducting a full psychiatric battery
• C. Asking questions about unhealthy drug use
• D. Referring to treatment without screening

Answer: (C)

Screening is a quick, simple process to identify people who may be using drugs in an unhealthy way so they can receive a fuller evaluation if needed. For unhealthy drug use, this is typically done by asking questions—often with a brief, validated screen or a single-question screen—rather than collecting biological samples or conducting a deep diagnostic workup. It is not a full psychiatric assessment, which is more comprehensive, and it does not by itself initiate treatment; rather it triggers further assessment and possible intervention. Therefore, the best description is asking questions about unhealthy drug use.

Screening is a quick, simple process to identify people who may be using drugs in an unhealthy way so they can receive a fuller evaluation if needed. For unhealthy drug use, this is typically done by asking questions—often with a brief, validated screen or a single-question screen—rather than collecting biological samples or conducting a deep diagnostic workup. It is not a full psychiatric assessment, which is more comprehensive, and it does not by itself initiate treatment; rather it triggers further assessment and possible intervention. Therefore, the best description is asking questions about unhealthy drug use.