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Substance Abuse Assessment Tools

Approximately 21.8 million people admitted to using illicit drugs in 2009, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Illicit drugs include amphetamines, barbiturates, club drugs, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, marijuana, sedatives and tranquilizers. Substance abuse, whether the substance is illegal drugs or alcohol, can lead to devastating consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole.

  1. Addiction Severity Index Baseline

    • The Addiction Severity Index Baseline (ASI-B) is probably the most common tool in diagnosing substance abuse severity, reports the University of Washington. The ASI-B addresses seven areas of a substance abuser's lifestyle -- alcohol use, illicit and prescription drug use, employment, social status, familial support and status, psychiatric health and medical status. The one-hour interview identifies problem areas to focus on in a recovery plan. Administration of the test takes places on a computer, with pen and paper, or as an interview conducted by a trained clinician. The Addiction Severity Follow-Up (ASI-F) takes approximately 15 minutes and measures the individual's progress and changing needs.

    Alcohol Dependence Scale

    • The Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) consists of 25 questions addressing areas such as the compulsion to drink, inability to control drinking, withdrawal symptoms, alcohol tolerance and how the individual behaves when seeking alcohol. Adults, teens and adolescents can take the ADS. The test -- given in computerized, pen-and-paper, or interview settings -- takes up to 10 minutes to complete. No special training is required to administer the test. The ADS determines the severity of alcohol abuse and helps in constructing a treatment plan.

    Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module

    • The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module (CIDI-SAM) has five sections, four of which are diagnostic. The diagnostic sections of the CIDI-SAM, or SAM, contain questions regarding demographics, tobacco, alcohol and drugs. A fifth section covers caffeine. Among the questions are how old respondents were when they began using drugs and alcohol, how often they use each substance and how much they use. The questions cover initial onset, length and severity of symptoms associated with the substance abuse. Questions also address withdrawal symptoms and psychological, social and physical reactions to substances. The test, administered by a trained clinician, takes up to 45 minutes to complete. This assessment tool is computerized, and scores are available immediately.

    Drug Abuse Screening Test

    • The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) is appropriate for use in clinical or nonclinical settings. It contains 28 questions covering consequences related to drug use, taking up to five minutes to complete and two minutes to score. The DAST gives clinicians an overall view of the patient's drug use and indicates areas requiring further study. This measure helps clinicians gauge the intensity of the patient's drug use as well offering guidance for the required treatment plan.

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