Diagnostic accuracy of a two-item screen for drug use developed from the alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST)

•The two-item ASSIST-Drug is a reliable and user-friendly screening tool for primary care settings.•The ASSIST-Drug is sensitive and specific in identifying drug use disorders and drug use negative consequences for patients across demographic and psychiatric subgroups.•The ASSIST-Drug is recommended to be used as a first-stage screening instrument for drug misuse and disorders in general primary care settings.