The SACS (Substances and Choices Scale) is a free, clinically validated screening and assessment tool created for health professionals supporting young people who are engaged in substance use treatment. Developed to assess both the frequency of drug and alcohol use and the associated behavioural and emotional impacts, this tool is clear, practical, and youth-appropriate.
Divided into three structured sections, the SACS helps practitioners gain insight into a young person’s substance use over the past month. It covers a wide range of substances, from alcohol and cannabis to stimulants, sedatives, psychedelics, and volatile substances, as well as additional space for other substances to be specified.
The form doesn’t stop at frequency—it also explores the broader context of substance use. Questions in Part B look at how use may be affecting daily life, including relationships, emotional wellbeing, education or employment, sexual health, and risky behaviours. Each statement encourages honest self-reflection and helps clinicians assess the severity and consequences of the young person’s habits.
There is also a visual engagement tool—the “SACS Difficulties Mountain Range”—which allows young people to connect their responses into a chart-like view of progress or struggle, making the process more interactive and personally meaningful.
While simple to use, this tool offers professionals a rich picture of the young person’s experience, making it ideal for use during assessments, care planning, and monitoring over time. It can support conversations, identify areas of concern, and form the basis for collaborative goal setting in a therapeutic relationship.
This is a structured, youth-focused questionnaire for assessing substance use, risks, and behavioural impacts in young people. An essential tool for health professionals working in treatment, recovery, or harm reduction services.
