Screening measures – substance use and gambling harm
This page contains information about four measures used to screen for problematic substance use or gambling harm.
Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)
About: The ASSIST was developed by the WHO.
Original intended use: In clinical settings, particularly in primary care.
What it measures: Problematic substance use over the past 3 months and lifetime. Screening only, does not indicate whether people meet diagnostic criteria.
Who it’s for: Adults in the general population.
Number of questions: 8.
Example of question: During the past 3 months, how often have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of your use of substances
Response type: Frequency rated on a scale.
Administration: Administered by any health worker. Takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Used in large general population studies in Aotearoa New Zealand? Yes, used in the New Zealand Health Survey mental health module in 2016/17 and 2020/21.
Versions: There are several versions available with updates according to diagnostic criteria and scoring. The ASSIST LITE is a short version.
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
About: The AUDIT was developed by a WHO collaborative.
Original intended use: In clinical settings.
What it measures: Alcohol use – consumption, dependence, and related problems in the past year. Screening only, does not indicate if people meet diagnostic criteria.
Who it’s for: Adults in the general population or clinical settings.
Number of questions: 10.
Example of question: How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
Response type: Mostly frequency rated on a scale.
Administration: Can be self-completed by people or administered by a clinician. Takes about 2 to 5 minutes.
Used in large general population studies in Aotearoa New Zealand? Yes, used yearly in the New Zealand Health Survey.
Versions: A range of shorter versions are available each with a mix of different questions from the full AUDIT.
Cannabis Use Problems Identification Test (CUPIT)
About: Developed in Aotearoa New Zealand to identify cannabis use.
Original intended use: Clinical and community settings.
What it measures: Current and problematic cannabis use – recent and past year. Also, cannabis-related problems and likelihood of harm or dependence. Screening only, does not indicate if people meet diagnostic criteria.
Who it’s for: Adolescents and adults in the general population, and clinical settings.
Number of questions: 16.
Example of question: Have you found it difficult to get through a day without using cannabis?
Response type: Mostly frequency rated on a scale.
Administration: Can be self-completed by people or administered by any health worker. Takes about 5 minutes.
Used in large general population studies in Aotearoa New Zealand? No, but is used on the Massey University website as a screening tool.
Versions: The original version was developed in 2010, this appears to be the one still in common use.
Early Intervention Gambling Health Test (EIGHT)
About: Developed in Aotearoa New Zealand to identify if gambling is a problem.
Original intended use: In clinical settings, particularly primary care.
What it measures: Levels of current gambling and gambling harm. Screening only, does not indicate if people meet diagnostic criteria.
Who it’s for: Adults in the general population or clinical settings.
Number of items: 8.
Example of item: When I think about it, gambling has sometimes caused me problems.
Response type: Yes/no.
Administration: Can be self-completed by people or administered by any health practitioner. Takes about 5-10 minutes.
Used in large general population studies in Aotearoa New Zealand? No, but is used as a screening tool on the Salvation Army Oasis website.
Versions: Doesn’t appear to have multiple versions available.
