Addiction Severity Index

Description:

Probably the most widely used psychosocial designed specifically for substance abuse populations this Addiction Severity Index study is intended to familiarize participants with the eight sections of this clinically useful and research-friendly assessment tool.  The critical role of the interviewer in the subsequent valid administration of the A.S.I. will be presented as well as the informational intent of the items in the Index.  Instruction on computation of the severity indices and then applying them to the treatment planning process will be presented.  This tool is compatible for research on evidence-based outcomes.

Training Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify at least six strengths and limitations of the addiction severity index as a psychosocial evaluation tool for substance involved persons.

2. Participants will be able to select from a list the operational definition of SEVERITY used in the Addiction Severity Index

3. Participants will be able to identify the role of repeating, paraphrasing and probing in producing interview integrity with the Addiction Severity Index

4. Participants will be able to administer the addiction severity index interview and score the severity indices across seven clinical areas.

5. Participants will be able discriminate item intent in seven clinical areas the Addiction Severity Interview process

Total CE Credits:  10

Training Agenda:

Hour One: Overview history of the index and the strengths and limitations of the interview.

Hour Two - Three: Discussion of the generic components of the interview: Patient Rating Scale, Interviewer Rating Scale, and Severity Indices procedure

Hour Four - Five: Instruct in depth re: Demographic, Medical Sections

Hour Six - Seven: Legal, Employment/Support Sections

Hour Eight - Nine: Drug/Alcohol, Family/Social, and 

Hour Ten: Psychiatric Sections to present the intent of the items in the interview.

Purpose:  Learners completing A.S.I. training will be able to conduct the psychosocial interview and understand item intent across all eight sections of the instrument.  This assessment interview is known worldwide and permits a comprehensive evaluation of substance related problems using the minimum number of questions, saving time for both client and counselor.