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brief intervention for substance use

ASSIST

ASSIST

CAN BE COMPLETED AS PART OF A ROUTINE CONSULTATION

CAN BE COMPLETED AS PART OF A ROUTINE CONSULTATION.

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assist on ice thai version

ASSIST

ASSIST

CAN BE USED IN A RANGE OF COMMUNITY SETTINGS.

can be used in a range of community settings.

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assist lite

ASSIST

ASSIST

AND ASSIST-LITE CAN BE COMPLETED ON A COMPUTER TABLET.

and ASSIST-Lite can be completed on a computer tablet.

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assist with substance

LEARN HOW

LEARN HOW

THE ASSIST-LITE CAN BE COMPLETED IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

the ASSIST-Lite can be completed in the Emergency Department

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assist on ice screening tool

WATCH ASSIST

WATCH ASSIST

WITH SUBSTANCE AND LEARN HOW NURSES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

with Substance and learn how Nurses can make a difference.

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ENQUIRE ABOUT

ENQUIRE ABOUT

FACE-TO-FACE ASSIST WORKSHOPS.

face-to-face ASSIST workshops.

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ASSIST DIGITAL SCREENING TOOLS

The ASSIST and the ASSIST-Lite are available in electronic format. The eASSIST and the eASSIST-Lite are web based versions that can be used on a personal computer.The ASSIST Checkup and ASSIST Checkup Lite are downloadable apps for completion on any smartphone or tablet.

The eASSIST is an electronic version of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST).

The ASSIST was developed for the World Health Organisation (WHO), by an international group of specialists, as a tool that is easy to use to detect substance use and related problems. The ASSIST is an eight-item questionnaire and takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The ASSIST helps identify the risks associated with substance use.

The eASSIST provides feedback on any risks and can help you explore options for addressing those risks.

LAUNCH eASSIST

ASSIST Checkup

Assist checkup & Assist checkup lite android apps Assist checkup & Assist checkup lite ios apps

The ASSIST Checkup is a free downloadable app so you can complete the ASSIST on your mobile device. You will receive instant feedback and tips on how to cutback or stop your substance use including information on where to seek help. The ASSIST Checkup is confidential and you can complete it every three months to track your progress.

The ASSIST Checkup is suitable for most iPhones and an android version is currently being developed.

Assist checkup & Assist checkup lite android apps Assist checkup & Assist checkup lite ios apps

ASSIST Checkup Lite

Assist checkup & Assist checkup lite android apps Assist checkup & Assist checkup lite ios apps

Find ASSIST Resources

Assist Potal- assist drug screening tool & drug and alcohol testing Resources & Tools

Resources & Tools

Need to download ASSIST resources or tools?

Download a full range of ASSIST and ASSIST-Lite tools and resources.

EXPLORE ALL RESOURCES
ASSIST Checkup apps and ASSIST-Lite apps Instructional videos

Instructional videos

Like to see the ASSIST and ASSIST-Lite in action?

The instructional videos demonstrate how to administer the ASSIST and ASSIST-Lite in a range of settings.

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The ASSIST screening test version 3.0 by Ho2 Who Assist Fact Sheet Bibliography

Bibliography

Looking for research evidence for the ASSIST and where it has been used?

Find a list of over 400 articles on the ASSIST and ASSIST-Lite.

DOWNLOAD BIBLIOGRAPHY

ASSIST eLEARNING

Register to complete the ASSIST eLearning package. You can also join the ASSIST Community to connect with experts and network with other members. Once registered, you can keep up to date with the latest news and conference presentations.

ASSIST NOTICEBOARD


ASSIST Super Admin posted
Screening and brief interventions using ASSIST: A guide for specialist drug and alcohol treatment services
Primary healthcare providers across Australia are now being encouraged to implement structured screening for risky substance use as part of routine care. Two validated models are currently in use:

• ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test)
• ASSIST-Lite (A streamlined version of the full assessment)

Both models have been recognised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and accepted (and recommended on their website to members) as useful clinical resources for substance use screening and intervention.

These screening tools serve multiple functions within the Primary Care setting. They can be used to quickly identify patients at various risk levels based on substance use patterns. Patients at low-to-moderate risk are provided a structured brief intervention with supporting information. Patients identified at higher risk are offered referral to specialist alcohol and other drug services.

When receiving referrals from primary care, understanding the meaning behind ASSIST scores can provide valuable clinical context.

Risk Level

ASSIST Score

Recommended Action

Low

0–10 for alcohol

0–3 for other substances

Brief feedback current use and possible future risk

Moderate

11–26 for alcohol

4–26 for other substances

Brief intervention using a motivational interviewing approach

High

27+ for any substance

Referral to your specialist service for detailed assessment and treatment


While treatment typically focuses on the principal drug of concern, the ASSIST framework enables a broader approach to identify and address risky and harmful use from other substances. For example, other substances in the moderate risk range may not present as requiring intensive treatment but can be identified and addressed using brief psychosocial interventions. This can help your clients reduce their overall risk of relapse, strengthen treatment adherence and the recovery process.

A key advantage of the ASSIST is its validity and reliability for self-completion , and administration at regular intervals (recommended every three months). This can help tracking change over time across multiple substances, and provides an objective measurement of progress. Feedback of this type can be invaluable in maintaining client engagement and progress. For those clients who are not improving, it represents an opportunity to review the case management approach.

Case Study: Lives Lived Well Services (Queensland and NSW)
Lives Lived Well Services have successfully integrated ASSIST into their clinical pathway among clients seeking their help, allowing the service to regularly track secondary substances of concern. In so doing, it provides the service (and the client), with comprehensive monitoring of substance use risks and harms over time, and allows for more targeted interventions for all substances, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

"We have successfully used the ASSIST with over 30,000 patients as both a screening tool and an outcome measure. It provides essential information on lifetime use, past 3-month frequency of use, and DSM-IV substance-related symptoms. Total scores indicate the severity of substance use (low, moderate, or high risk) and help guide decisions about the appropriate intensity of treatment. The DSM-IV symptom data are particularly useful for tailoring motivational interviewing interventions. Importantly, the ASSIST risk scores are sensitive to change, enabling clinicians to clearly demonstrate patient progress over time."

Professor Leanne Hides, National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland; Former Lives Lived Well Chair of Alcohol, Drugs & Mental Health

Next Steps

Consider how your service might:
• Familiarise staff with ASSIST scoring and interpretation
• Implement regular ASSIST monitoring for comprehensive client care
• Develop protocols for addressing multiple substances identified through referrals

For further information or training resources on ASSIST implementation, please contact assistportal@adelaide.edu.au

ASSIST Super Admin posted
Empower Your Practice: Enhance Patient Care Through Substance Use Screening


Discover how to identify underlying factors affecting your patients' health with our new six-hour e-learning module developed specifically for primary healthcare professionals. This course features three realistic case studies developed by an experienced 

GP and thoroughly tested through PHN collaborations.

Transform your patient consultations by learning to:
- Recognise when substance use may be contributing to presenting symptoms
- Have meaningful, respectful conversations about substance use
- Integrate screening seamlessly into your existing workflow using the 5As approach
- Provide effective brief interventions that motivate positive change
- Connect patients with specialised support when needed

Why this matters for your patients:
Many Australians are unaware their substance use is affecting their health. By identifying these connections early, you can help address root causes rather than just symptoms—potentially resolving persistent health complaints and improving overall outcomes.

Enhance your clinical toolkit with skills that make a real difference in patient lives. Sign up today!
ASSIST Super Admin posted
ASSIST Bibliography: NEW REFERENCES ADDED!

We've reached a new milestone with our ASSIST Bibliography, now with over 800+ studies!

The landscape of substance use disorder research continues to evolve, and the ASSIST-BI team is working hard to document this critical progress. Our comprehensive bibliography has now surpassed 800 studies, with a remarkable 80 new references added in our latest update—the most significant expansion to date.

What This Means for you?
This extensive collection represents more than just numbers. Each reference reflects the growing importance of the ASSIST in understanding and addressing substance use risks. Researchers and clinicians can now have access to an unprecedented breadth of research, showcasing the tool's versatility and impact across various clinical and research settings.

New Search Capability
To make this research information more accessible to you, we've introduced a keyword search function on our bibliography webpage. This feature allows you to quickly filter and find the most relevant studies, saving valuable time and energy.

Or, if you'd prefer, you can still download a copy of the ASSIST bibliography from the website as normal.


ASSIST Super Admin posted
Wonderful turnout for the ASSIST-Lite in Older Person's workshop, held yesterday in Cockburn, WA

The workshops are engaging and interactive, and will help build your capacity in recognising and responding to substance use among older persons.

Look forward to seeing you there!
ASSIST Super Admin posted

ASSIST and Injury Matters (WA): Workshop series currently underway!

The ASSIST team have been hard at work collaborating with Injury Matters (https://www.injurymatters.org.au/) to deliver a series of skills-based workshops for people who work with elderly populations.

The workshops are build around building the capacity and confidence of those working with older people to assist them in identifying and responding to substance use.

So far, we have delivered three workshops, with another four scheduled for next week. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic.

The sessions have focused on common drugs of concern such as tobacco and alcohol but have also extended the reach to include medicinal cannabis and pharmaceuticals taken in a way that wasn't intendedly the prescriber.

If you are in WA, and this is of interest to your work, please get in contact today to see if there are spaces available.

SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES


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Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening - Assist Program

Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening - Assist Program

The ASSIST Program provides training, technical advice and support to people interested in Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening.

FULL ASSIST SUITE NOW ALSO AVAILABLE IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE !

We are pleased to announce the addition of yet another set completed ASSIST 3.1. clinical resources, this time available in Simplified Chinese.

We have worked tirelessly with colleagues at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China to develop the new ASSIST 3.1. resources in Simplified Chinese, published in our University of Adelaide/ASSIST Portal template.

You can check these out, including the complete set of forms, or each individual form, via the ASSIST Portal.

Once more, keep an eye out as we continue to update the existing materials and provide new ones as well.
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FULL ASSIST SUITE NOW ALSO AVAILABLE IN ARABIC !

We are pleased to announce the addition of a completed set of ASSIST 3.1. clinical resources available in Arabic.

We have worked tirelessly with staff at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University in Dubai, UAE to develop the new ASSIST 3.1. resources in Arabic, published in our University of Adelaide/ASSIST Portal template.

You can check these out, including the complete set of forms, or each individual form, via the ASSIST Portal.

Once more, keep an eye out as we continue to update the existing materials and provide new ones as well.
... See MoreSee Less

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RELATED WORKS

ASSIST Community, eLearning and eASSIST - ASSIST Portal

edX Course

Join the ASSIST Community in discussions, eLearning and activities related to the eASSIST and managing addiction.

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Video Library

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Need Help?

Are you concerned about your own or someone else’s alcohol or other drug use? Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.

24 hour support line: 1800 250 015

ASSIST PORTAL - ACKNOWLEDGING COUNTRY

Acknowledgement of Country

The ASSIST Program team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters of Australia and the Torres Strait. We respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—their customs and their beliefs. We also pay our respects to Elders past and present, with particular acknowledgement to the Kaurna people, the original custodians of the Adelaide Plains and the land on which the University of Adelaide's campuses at North Terrace, Waite, Thebarton and Roseworthy are built.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

ASSIST PORTAL - ACKNOWLEDGING COUNTRY