Table of Contents
Description
The Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) is a tool designed to assess an individual’s confidence in their ability to resist drug and alcohol use in various challenging situations. Developed to understand and measure self-efficacy regarding drug avoidance, this scale helps identify factors that can support individuals in maintaining sobriety and making healthier choices. The DASES is particularly relevant for individuals in recovery or those who face scenarios where substance use may be tempting. Through a series of hypothetical situations related to drug and alcohol use, participants are asked to evaluate their likelihood of resisting urges in order to gain insights into their self-efficacy levels regarding substance use avoidance.
Authors and Contact Email
Martin, G. W. (1992).
E-mail: [email protected]
Purpose
The purpose of the DASES is to measure an individual’s self-efficacy in avoiding drugs and alcohol in various situations that may provoke cravings or temptations.
Test Year
1992
Administration Method and Scoring
Participants respond to a series of hypothetical situations regarding drug and alcohol use, rating their confidence on a scale from 1 to 7, with 1 indicating “certainly yes” and 7 indicating “certainly no.”
Reliability and Validity
Information not available.
Factors and Subscales
Information not available.
Keywords
Drug avoidance, self-efficacy, substance use, alcohol, recovery, addiction.
Items of ‘Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES)’
1. Imagine that you are going to a party where you will meet new people. You feel that drug/alcohol use will relax you and make you more confident. Could you avoid drug/alcohol use?
2. Imagine that you have just blown a good job; you are home alone and depressed. Would you give in to the urge to take drugs/alcohol which are in the house?
3. Imagine that you are home with a loved one, and feeling angry after a fight. You want to make up, but at the same time you want to get stoned/loaded. Could you resist the urge to take drugs/alcohol?
4. Imagine that you are feeling good and have no responsibilities for a couple of days. The only thing you see against getting a bit stoned/loaded is that you have promised yourself you would go straight for 2 months, and you still have 3 weeks to go. Would you take drugs/alcohol?
5. Imagine it is late; you cannot sleep and drugs/alcohol are available in the house. You have decided not to use drugs. Could you resist the urge to use drugs to help you get to sleep?
6. Imagine that a new job is starting tomorrow; you are going out with friends and expecting a good time. Could you resist the urge to celebrate with drugs/alcohol?
7. Imagine that you are home with your loved one and very angry after a fight. You are tempted to get back at your partner by getting stoned/loaded. Would you give in to the temptation?
8. Imagine that a very important relationship has just ended and you are very depressed. Would you give in to the urge to take drugs/alcohol?
9. Imagine that you have run into 2 friends who are celebrating a $100 lottery win with drugs/alcohol. Could you resist their urging to join them in drug/alcohol use?
10. Imagine that you have run into 2 friends who are celebrating a win at horse racing with drugs. Could you resist their urging to join them in drug use?
11. Imagine that you are at a party and feeling uptight. Most people seem to be having a good time. You are tempted to use drugs/alcohol to loosen up. Would you?
12. Imagine that you promised yourself to stay straight for 2 months but you have just blown your 5-week record with one hit or drink. Would this situation lead you to take a second one?
13. Imagine that you had managed to stay straight for a near record time, but last night you blew it. Because of last night you are feeling weak. Would you take drugs/alcohol tonight?
14. Imagine that you are home alone and depressed. Could you resist the urge to go out and find some drugs/alcohol?
15. Imagine that a good friend has accused you of being insensitive. Now you are feeling hurt and tempted to use drugs/alcohol. Could you resist?
16. Imagine that a good friend is feeling miserable. He wants you to join him in heavy discussion and drug/alcohol use to pick his spirits up. Could you resist the urge to take drugs/alcohol?
17. Imagine that you are home alone; it is a dull weekend with nothing in particular to look forward to. You are bored. Would you give in to the urge to get stoned/loaded?
References
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index3618EN.html
http://www.nd.gov.hk/pdf/bdf-2010R2-q03-eng.pdf
https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/drug-avoidance-self-efficacy-scale-dases-2/