The screening for unhealthy drug use should be implemented when services for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate care can be offered or referred.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if laboratory testing is available
• D. Only for pregnant patients

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that screening for unhealthy drug use is intended to help people only when there is a pathway to act on the results. That means having access to accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate care or referrals once someone screens positive. If those resources aren’t available, screening can do more harm than good by labeling someone, causing anxiety, or wasting time without offering real help.

That’s why the statement is true: screening should be implemented when there are concrete options to diagnose and treat or refer for treatment. It isn’t dependent on laboratory testing being available, and it isn’t limited to pregnant patients. Screening tools (often brief questionnaires or interviews) can be used with the understanding that follow-up care or referral will be provided.