Prescription Drug Craving Frequency — Past 3 Months
A self-report screening question that asks how often you have had a strong urge to use prescription drugs during the past 3 months.
Frequent prescription-drug cravings may warrant a confidential discussion with your clinician.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95448-7
- Short code
- DURINGTHEPAST3MOHOWOFTENHAVEYOUHADASTRONGDESIREORURGETOUSEPRESCR
- 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 patient-reported screening question, not a blood or laboratory test. It assesses how often you have experienced a strong desire or urge to use prescription drugs during the past 3 months.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may use it to help identify possible prescription-drug misuse, problematic use, or substance use disorder. It can also guide further questions about withdrawal, safety, and treatment needs.
How is the test performed?
You answer the question by selecting the response that best reflects your experience over the previous 3 months. Your answer should reflect your own use and cravings and can be reviewed privately with a clinician.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required. Think about your cravings honestly and answer based on the past 3 months, including prescription medicines that were not prescribed to you or were used in a way other than directed.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Frequent or intense cravings may indicate difficulty controlling prescription-drug use, physical dependence, or another substance-related problem. This screening question alone cannot diagnose a substance use disorder; the result should be interpreted alongside other history and clinical information.
Short name
Prescription Drug Craving
Frequently asked questions
Does this question mean I have a substance use disorder?
Should I include cravings for medications I am prescribed to take?
What should I do if I am worried about my answer?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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