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Cocaine Craving Frequency Screen — Past 3 Months

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A self-report screening question about how often you have had a strong desire or urge to use cocaine during the past 3 months.

Quick summary

["Frequent cravings may be a sign of problematic cocaine use that should be discussed with a healthcare professional."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
95441-2
Short code
DURINGTHEPAST3MOHOWOFTENHAVEYOUHADASTRONGDESIREORURGETOUSECOCAIN
Synonyms
—
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
nida
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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 screening question about cocaine cravings during the past 3 months. It asks how often, if at all, you have had a strong desire or urge to use cocaine. It is a self-report assessment, not a blood, urine, or saliva laboratory test.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may use this question to screen for possible cocaine use disorder, especially during an appointment, counseling session, or substance-use assessment. Cravings are one of several signs considered when evaluating problematic cocaine use.

How is the test performed?

You answer the question by choosing the response that best describes your experience during the past 3 months. Your answer is reviewed as part of a broader assessment and should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is needed. Think carefully about the past 3 months and answer honestly, including whether you experienced no cravings at all. Other relevant information, such as how often you used cocaine and whether it caused problems, may also be reviewed.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Cocaine craving frequency

Frequently asked questions

Does a high answer mean I have cocaine use disorder?
Not by itself. Frequent cravings can be an important warning sign, but a diagnosis requires a complete clinical assessment of your cocaine use and how it affects your life.
Does this screening question require a urine or blood test?
No. It is a self-report questionnaire about cravings during the past 3 months. Drug testing may sometimes be used separately, but it is not part of this question.
What should I do if I have strong urges to use cocaine?
Discuss the cravings with a healthcare professional or addiction counselor. If you feel you may harm yourself or someone else, seek urgent or emergency help immediately.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy