Rating Scales for Alcohol and Nicotine Addictions

Abstract

Alcohol and tobacco are among the leading causes of preventable deaths and are frequently used in combination. Because of the exceptional morbidity and mortality associated with the use of these substances, it is important to maximize opportunities for the detection of maladaptive use and subsequent intervention whenever a healthcare point of contact is made. This chapter provides a brief description of the health impact of these substances, as well as concise descriptions of helpful alcohol- and tobacco-related screening and assessment tools. The tools that are highlighted were chosen because of their excellent psychometric properties, but also for their high clinical utility and free availability for ease of use in a busy practice setting. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, The Leeds Dependence Questionnaire, The Revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, The Short Index of Problems, the Assessment of Warning Signs of Relapse Scale, and other measures are discussed. Several measures are appended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)