What Is the Addiction Severity Index?

The Addiction Severity Index is an assessment tool to help guide professionals in treating individuals with substance abuse problems. This tool is helpful because it is useful in determining the client's level of stability. It also can be used when summarizing end-of-treatment changes.

History

• The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) was developed in 1980 by A. Thomas McLellan and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Studies of Addiction, according to the Treatment Research Institute. This tool has been used in research and treatment since that time after being standardized.

Description

• The ASI is an interview format that covers seven areas of a client's life. It covers medical, employment/support, drug and alcohol use, legal, family history, family/social relationships and psychiatric problems. The interview that covers these questions is conducted by a trained technician or counselor.

Training

• The training for the ASI is comprised of two videos and three instructional manuals. A clinician can administer this test after sel- training by watching the videos and using the manual. However, it is suggested that a one-day training session be completed for optimal preparation.

How it Works

• The ASI takes about an hour to complete. The interviewer asks questions listed on the ASI form, and then determines severity rating on a 10-point scale (0-9). The computer generates data after the facilitator enters the numbers and determines the addiction severity of the client's past 30 days.

Benefits

• The benefit of this test is that it is easy to learn to administer. It is also simple to utilize. It has been found to be cost effective and accurate in assessment of individuals and their substance abuse issues. It is also helpful in assessing other psycho-social issues that may affect the course of treatment.