Addiction Severity Index composite scores: Contribution of objective vs. subjective items to post-treatment change

• Published in: Journal of substance use 2004-10, Vol.9 (5), p.214-223
• Main Authors: Alterman, Arthur I., Cacciola, John S., Koppenhaver, Janelle M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Addiction Severity Index; ASI composite scores; Changes; measurement of change; Measures; objective items; Scores; subjective items; Substance abusers; Treatment
• ISSN: 1465-9891; 1475-9942
• DOI: 10.1080/14659890410001711689

Aims: This study evaluated the generalizability of findings by Wertz, Cleaveland, and Stephens (Journal of Substance Abuse, 1995, 7, 175-188) that reductions in the Addiction Severity Index's (ASI) alcohol and drug composite scores (CSs) following treatment were largely associated with reductions in subjective ratings of "being bothered troubled" or "need for treatment" rather than more objective frequency of behaviors problems. Design and participants: The data from three independent studies groups of substance dependent patients-alcohol dependent (n=165), cocaine dependent (n=155), and opioid dependent (n=288)-were evaluated to determine whether positive changes in the ASI's CSs following treatment were driven by "objective" or "subjective" items, or both. Findings: An analysis of the drug and alcohol sections revealed that CSs in these two problem areas were significantly lower at 6 months post-treatment entry and that both types of items showed significant reductions. Both types of items also generally contributed to significant reductions of CSs in the medical, legal, family-social and psychiatric areas of the ASI. Conclusions: It was concluded that Wertz et al.'s (1995) failure to find reductions in the objective items of the ASI's alcohol and drug sections was likely study specific.