Table of Contents
Description
The Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) is a comprehensive instrument developed to assess alcohol dependence and its severity in individuals based on their behavioral and physiological experiences with alcohol consumption. This scale features a series of structured questions that cover various facets of alcohol use and its consequences over the past twelve months, thus providing valuable insights into an individual’s drinking patterns and dependence levels. The scale assists healthcare professionals, counselors, and researchers in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for individuals struggling with alcohol-related issues.
Authors and Contact Email
Harvey A. Skinner, Ph.D.
Department of Public Health Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
12 Queen’s Park Cres. West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
Phone: (416) 978-8989
Fax: (416) 978-2087
Email: information not available
Purpose
The primary purpose of the ADS is to measure the presence and severity of alcohol dependence in individuals, aiding in the identification of those who may require clinical intervention or support.
Test Year
The ADS was developed in 1982.
Administration Method and Scoring
The ADS can be administered through direct interviews or self-reported questionnaires. The scoring for the scale involves summing the responses from a set of items, with total scores ranging from 0 to 45. Each response may have different scoring criteria depending on the type of question, with higher scores indicating greater levels of alcohol dependence. The interpretation of scores is categorized into low, medium, and high dependence based on specific score ranges.
Reliability and Validity
Information not available.
Factors and Subscales
Information not available.
Keywords
Alcohol dependence, screening, assessment, alcohol use, behavioral symptoms, physiological symptoms.
Items of ‘Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS)’
1. How much did you drink the last time you drank?
– a. Enough to get high or less
– b. Enough to get drunk
– c. Enough to pass out
2. Do you often have hangovers on Sunday or Monday mornings?
– a. No
– b. Yes
3. Have you had the “shakes” when sobering up (hands tremble, shake inside)?
– a. No
– b. Sometimes
– c. Often
4. Do you get physically sick (e.g., vomit, stomach cramps) as a result of drinking?
– a. No
– b. Sometimes
– c. Almost every time I drink
5. Have you had the “DTs” (delirium tremens) – that is, seen, felt or heard things not really there; felt very anxious, restless, and overexcited?
– a. No
– b. Sometimes
– c. Several times
6. When you drink, do you stumble about, stagger, and weave?
– a. No
– b. Sometimes
– c. Often
7. As a result of drinking, have you felt overly hot and sweaty (feverish)?
– a. No
– b. Once
– c. Several times
8. As a result of drinking, have you seen things that were not really there?
– a. No
– b. Once
– c. Several times
9. Do you panic because you fear you may not have a drink when you need it?
– a. No
– b. Yes
10. Have you had blackouts (“loss of memory” without passing out) as a result of drinking?
– a. No, never
– b. Sometimes
– c. Often
– d. Almost every time I drink
11. Do you carry a bottle with you or keep one close at hand?
– a. No
– b. Some of the time
– c. Most of the time
12. After a period of abstinence (not drinking), do you end up drinking heavily again?
– a. No
– b. Sometimes
– c. Almost every time I drink
13. In the past 12 months, have you passed out as a result of drinking?
– a. No
– b. Once
– c. More than once
14. Have you had a convulsion (fit) following a period of drinking?
– a. No
– b. Yes
– c. Several times
15. Do you drink throughout the day?
– a. No
– b. Yes
16. After drinking heavily, has your thinking been fuzzy or unclear?
– a. No
– b. Yes, but only for a few hours
– c. Yes, for one or two days
– d. Yes, for many days
17. As a result of drinking, have you felt your heart beating rapidly?
– a. No
– b. Yes
– c. Several times
18. Do you almost constantly think about drinking and alcohol?
– a. No
– b. Yes
19. As a result of drinking, have you heard “things” that were not really there?
– a. No
– b. Yes
– c. Several times
20. Have you had weird and frightening sensations when drinking?
– a. No
– b. Once or twice
– c. Often
21. As a result of drinking, have you “felt things” crawling on you that were not really there (e.g., bugs, spiders)?
– a. No
– b. Yes
– c. Several times
22. With respect to blackouts (loss of memory):
– a. Have never had a blackout
– b. Have had blackouts that last less than an hour
– c. Have had blackouts that last for several hours
– d. Have had blackouts that last a day or more
23. Have you tried to cut down on your drinking and failed?
– a. No
– b. Once
– c. Several times
24. Do you gulp drinks (drink quickly?)
– a. No
– b. Yes
25. After taking one or two drinks, can you usually stop?
– a. Yes
– b. No
References
Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS)
Skinner HA, Allen BA. Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: Measurement and validation. J. Abnorm. Psychol. 1982;91:199–209. [PubMed]
Skinner HA, Horn JL. Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS): User’s Guide. Toronto, Canada: Addiction Research Foundation; 1984.