CRAFFT — Adolescent Substance Use Screening Test
CRAFFT screening tool for alcohol and substance misuse in adolescents (12–21 years). CRAFFT = Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble.
Score interpretation
CRAFFT 0–1. Negative screen for substance misuse disorder.
→ Positive reinforcement. Brief advice on substance avoidance. Reassess annually.
CRAFFT ≥ 2 — positive screen. In adolescent clinic patients (Knight 2002) a score of 2 or more had sensitivity 0.80 and specificity 0.86 for a substance use disorder (0.76 and 0.94 for any problem use).
→ Full assessment of substance use history. AUDIT/DAST for severity. Referral to adolescent CAMHS or substance misuse services. Involve parents/guardians with consent. Safety assessment.
Interpretation bands for the CRAFFT (Adolescent). Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Knight JR, Shrier LA, Bravender TD, Farrell M, Vander Bilt J, Shaffer HJ. A new brief screen for adolescent substance abuse. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999;153(6):591-596.
- Knight JR, Sherritt L, Shrier LA, Harris SK, Chang G. Validity of the CRAFFT substance abuse screening test among adolescent clinic patients. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156(6):607-614.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- 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.
