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Drug Use Frequency — Past 12 Months

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A patient-reported assessment that asks how often alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other substances were used during the previous 12 months.

Quick summary

["This assessment summarizes the frequency of substance use over the past year to help guide clinical discussions and treatment planning."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
96843-8
Short code
Drug use freq 12Mo
Synonyms
Drug use freq 12Mo
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a patient-reported assessment of how frequently you used alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription medications, or other substances during the previous 12 months. It is generally completed as part of an interview, questionnaire, or screening visit rather than as a laboratory test.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may use this information to assess recent substance exposure, discuss health risks, monitor an existing treatment plan, or help identify a need for further counseling. It may also be included in routine preventive or behavioral health screening.

How is the test performed?

You are asked questions about the substances used and how often you used them over the past 12 months. Your answers are recorded and interpreted alongside your medical history and other findings.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed. Answer as accurately as you can, including the type of substance, amount used, and approximate frequency. If you are uncomfortable answering a question, you may ask the clinician how the information will be used.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

12-Month Drug Use Frequency

Frequently asked questions

Does this test analyze a blood or urine sample?
Usually, no. This slug describes a frequency assessment based on your reported use over the past 12 months, not a laboratory measurement of a specific substance.
What if I do not remember the exact frequency?
Give your best estimate and explain any uncertainty to the clinician. An approximate answer is usually more useful than leaving the question unanswered.
Will my answers affect my care?
They may help your clinician tailor counseling, monitoring, or treatment. The result is one source of information and does not determine a diagnosis by itself.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy