Which assessment tool is widely used for substance use screening in adolescents?

The CRAFFT Screening Tool is a widely recognized and validated tool specifically designed for substance use screening in adolescents. It consists of a series of questions that not only assess a young person's substance use but also evaluate related behaviors and potential consequences, making it particularly suitable for the adolescent population. The acronym "CRAFFT" represents key areas to explore: Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, and Trouble, which are pertinent to understanding adolescents' relationships and experiences with substance use.

The significance of the CRAFFT tool lies in its focus on the unique developmental and social contexts of adolescents, allowing for more effective identification of those who may require further assessment or intervention for substance use issues. Its specificity to this age group enhances the likelihood of obtaining accurate and meaningful data regarding their substance use patterns and risks.

In contrast, the other options presented, while useful in different contexts, do not specifically target substance use screening in adolescents. The Adolescent Substance Abuse Screening Tool may be applicable, but it is not as widely recognized as CRAFFT. The Beck Depression Inventory focuses on measuring depressive symptoms rather than substance use, and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test is geared more towards adults, assessing alcohol use disorders without the adolescent-specific context that the CRAFFT provides. Thus, CRAFFT