Addiction Resources

Expressions of Addiction

Expressions of Addiction is an exhibit of original photographic portraits that depict people in various stages and expressions of addiction. Each portrait includes a brief bio about the subject. These photographs are part of a photography exhibition that will help the public better understand addiction by reaching hundreds of thousands through gallery exhibitions, a television program, and Internet web sites. Click here for more information.

The Red Card

The Division on Addiction has developed an information card that lists referral numbers and diagnostic information for substance abuse treatments. Initially the card was distributed to third and fourth year medical students, and teaching hospitals affiliated with Harvard Medical School, but has since reached far beyond Harvard Medical School system.  Currently the "Red Card" is requested by healthcare providers nationwide. Click here to view the "Red Card.  Adobe Acrobat required.

Division on Addictions Reprint Library

The Division on Addictions provides access to article reprints, lecture handouts, and other Division on Addictions publications. These publications are free, and most are available for download to the general public. Click here to visit the Division on Addictions Library and Archives.

The CAGE

The CAGE is a brief questionnaire optimally used in settings where there is limited time for patient interviews. It is a mnemonic device to remind treatment providers to ask if patients have attempted to Cut down on drinking, felt Annoyance with criticisms about drinking, felt Guilt about drinking, or used alcohol as an Eye-opener.  For a full description, please click here to visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism web site.

References

Ewing, J.A. (1984). Detecting alcoholism: The CAGE questionnaire. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association, 252, 1905-1907.

The CRAFFT

The CRAFFT is a brief screening device for adolescent substance abuse. Two or more yes answers suggests a significant problem.

C - Have you ever ridden in a CAR driven by someone (including yourself) who was "high" or had       been using alcohol or drugs?
R - Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to RELAX, feel better about yourself, or fit in?
A - Do you ever use alcohol/drugs while you are by yourself, ALONE?
F - Do your family or FRIENDS ever tell you that you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
F - Do you ever FORGET things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
T - Have you gotten into TROUBLE while you were using alcohol or drugs?

For more information about The CRAFFT, click here to visit The Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research web site, created by Children's Hospital in Boston.

References

Knight, John R., Sherritt, L., Shrier, L. A., Harris, S. K., Chang, G. (2002) Validity of the CRAFFT Substance Abuse Screening Test Among Adolescent Clinic Patients. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 156(6):607-614.

Knight, J. R., Shrier, L. A., Bravender, T., Farrell, M., Vander Bilt, J., & Shaffer, H. CRAFFT: A New Brief Screen for Adolescent Substance Abuse. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 1999; 153(6): 591-596.

The UNCOPE

The UNCOPE is a six item addiction screen. Hoffman and colleagues developed it in 1999. The UNCOPE questions are available free of charge for anyone to use and are as follows:

U - Have you spent more time drinking or using than you intended to?
N - Have you ever neglected some of your usual responsibilities because of using alcohol or drugs?
C - Have you felt you wanted or needed to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
O - Has anyone objected to your drinking or drug use?
P - Have you found yourself preoccupied with drinking or using?
E - Have you ever used alcohol or drugs to relieve emotional discomfort, such as sadness, anger, or boredom?

For more information go to: http://www.evinceassessment.com/UNCOPE_for_web.pdf.

References

Hoffmann, N. G., Hunt, D. E., Rhodes, W. M., Riley, K. J. (2003). UNCOPE: A Brief Substance Dependence Screen for Use with Arrestees. Journal of Drug Issues, 33 (1), 29-44.