Instrument: CRAFFT 2.0
Article: Validity of the CRAFFT 2.0 substance abuse screening test among adolescent clinic patients
Appropriateness of the instrument: CRAFFT 2.0 is one of the earliest and most often used measures of substance abuse in clinical practice and research. CRAFFT is a series of six questions designed to monitor young people for high-risk liquor and numerous different drug use abnormalities at the same time. It is a brief, efficient screening instrument designed to determine whether a more in-depth discussion about the context of usages, regularity, and other dangers and repercussions of alcohol and other narcotic use is necessary (Knight, 2002).
Response to treatment/therapy: The CRAFFT 2.0 measures substance abuse and evaluates the patient’s progress following treatment. It can serve as a guide to determine whether or not a patient is recovering. This instrument evaluates whether adolescents are improving towards the treatment’s objectives.
Psychometrics/scoring of the instrument: The CRAFFT 2.0 indicates substance abuse and allows assessment of progress over time. Research has shown that CRAFFT 2.0 has adequate reliability and validity. If the adolescents say “NO” to the first three open queries, it indicates no risk, so positive reinforcement is required. If the adolescents say “Yes” to CAR questions, it indicates riding risk, and hence they should consider other options to riding with impaired drivers. If the CRAFFT scores “0,” it implies low risk, and thus a brief guideline is required. If the CRAFFT score is “1”, it indicates medium risk, and hence medium treatment is needed. If the CRAFFT score is greater than or equal to 2, it suggests that the adolescent is at a higher risk, and thus additional evaluation is required, which is provided via brief treatment (The CRAFFT 2.0 Manual, 2017).
Limitations: Despite the fact that the instrument effectively evaluates substance abuse in adolescents, it has a limitation. The tool is effective only to adolescents aged 12-18 years; hence it cannot be used to ages above.
References
The CRAFFT 2.0 Manual. (2017). Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. https://www.dellchildrens.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2019/08/CRAFFT-2.0_ProviderManual.pdf
John R Knight, Grace Chang, Sion Kim Harris, Lydia A Shrier, & Lon Sherritt. (2002). Validity of the CRAFFT substance abuse screening test among adolescent clinic patients. PubMed. DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.156.6.607
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