ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

CRAFFT Screening Test

The CRAFTT screening test is used by doctors and healthcare professionals to check if a young person between the ages of 14 and 18 is at risk of substance abuse or addiction. Basically, it helps them know if the young person is using drugs, alcohol or other harmful substances that could affect their health and wellbeing.

CRAFTT stands for Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble. It is a series of six questions that ask the young person to rate how often they have experienced certain situations or feelings related to substance use in the past year.

For example, the first question asks if the young person has ever been a passenger in a car where the driver was using drugs or alcohol. The second question asks if they drink or smoke to relax. The third question asks if they drink or use drugs when they are alone. The fourth question asks if they ever forget things because of their substance use. The fifth question asks if their friends ever use drugs or drink alcohol. The sixth question asks if they have ever gotten into trouble because of their substance use.

The young person answers each question from zero to four, with zero meaning "never" and four meaning "very often." The healthcare professional then adds up the score to determine if further assessment or intervention is necessary. If the score is high, it may mean that the young person is at risk of developing a substance use disorder and needs help.

Overall, the CRAFTT screening test is an important tool for healthcare professionals and parents to identify potential substance abuse in young people and get them the help they need to avoid harmful outcomes.