CRAFFT Substance Use Screening Tool
6-item screening tool for problematic substance use in adolescents (12–21 years). CRAFFT is an acronym: Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble. Score ≥2 = positive screen for problem use.
Score interpretation
CRAFFT 0–1 — low risk of substance use disorder
→ Positive reinforcement; brief counselling on risks; reassess at next visit; C item alone (Car) = safety counselling regardless of total score
CRAFFT ≥2 — positive screen; likely problematic substance use
→ Brief motivational interview; assess frequency, substances used, impact on school/relationships; refer to adolescent substance use service; involve parents/carers with young person's consent; assess comorbid mental health conditions; safeguarding considerations
Interpretation bands for the CRAFFT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Knight JR et al. A new brief screen for adolescent substance abuse. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999;153(6):591–596.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Salbutamol (Paediatric — Asthma/Wheeze) · Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA)
- Phenylephrine · Alpha-1 Adrenergic Agonist (Pure Vasoconstrictor)
- Carbimazole · Antithyroid Drug
- Diclofenac · Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
- Zopiclone · Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotic (Z-drug)
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.