How Do I Screen for Opioid Dependence?
Identification of opioid-dependent patients will most likely result from a combination of information, including a physical exam, patient interview, and standardized screening.8 Helpful screening tools include the following questionnaires (modified for opioid dependence): • CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) • DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) • TWEAK (Tolerance, Worried, Eye-opener, Amnesia, Cut down) • Brief MAST (Michigan Alcohol Screening Test) Once an opioid-dependent patient has been identified, it is advantageous to intervene as soon as possible.
