Addiction Severity Index (ASI)

Abstract

The ASI is a semi-structured interview designed to address seven potential problem areas in substance-abusing patients: medical status, employment and support, drug use, alcohol use, legal status, family/social status, and psychiatric status. In 1 hour, a skilled interviewer can gather information on recent (past 30 days) and lifetime problems in all of the problem areas. The ASI provides an overview of problems related to substance, rather than focusing on any single area. ࠚ Adults □ Adolescents Groups for which this instrument might be especially helpful? The ASI can be used effectively to explore problems within any adult group of individuals who report substance abuse as their major problem. It has been used with psychiatrically ill, homeless, pregnant, and prisoner populations, but its major use has been with adults seeking treatment for substance abuse problems.