Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS)
INSTRUCTIONS:
These questions refer to the past 12 months
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 over excited?
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
1. Carefully read each question and the possible answers provided. Answer each question by circling the ONE choice that is most true for you.
2. The word "drinking" in a question refers to "drinking of alcoholic beverages."
3. Take as much time as you need. Work carefully, and try to finish as soon as possible. Please answer ALL questions.
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 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
Scoring: Dichotomous items are scored 0, 1; three-choice items are scored 0, 1, 2; and four-choice items are scored 0, 1, 2, 3. In each case, the higher the value the greater the dependence. Total scores can range from 0 to 47.
ADS INTERPRETATION GUIDE
ADS Raw Score Interpretation* Suggested Care**
0
1-13 (1st quartile)
14-21 (2nd quartile)
22-30 (3rd quartile)
Out-Patient/
31-47 (4th quartile)
No evidence of alcohol dependence was reported. However, this does not necessarily mean that the individual is free of dependence symptoms. Assess the validity of self-reports.
Low level of alcohol dependence. Symptoms are probably psychological, rather than physical. Moderation drinking strategies may be considered if there are no contradictions.
Score of 9 or more is highly indicative of a current diagnosis (DSM-III) of alcohol abuse or dependence.
Intermediate level of alcohol dependence. Psychological problems related to drinking are likely. Psychological dependence may still be characteristic, but look for signs of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Substantial level of alcohol dependence. Physical dependence is likely. Medical
disorders, psychiatric symptoms and social problems related to alcohol abuse are probable. Abstinence treatment goal should be recommended. Clients are more likely to recognize that abstinence is the only way to improve.
Severe level of alcohol dependence. dependence is highly likely. Serious psychi- atric symptoms and medical disorders related to drinking - such as liver disease - are likely. Abstinence is recommended. Check for seriousness of intentions to comply with treatment.
Advice
*CAUTION: ADS Scores should always be checked with information from other sources before making a treatment plan. Attention must be given to age and gender, the number of years the individual has been drinking heavily, time since last drinking (and amount), use of drugs other than alcohol, and other pertinent information. Also, assess the validity of self-reports.
**ASAM Placement Level
Brief (Level I)
Counselling
Out-Patient (Level I or II)
Intensive
Inpatient (Level II or III)
Physical Intensive In-Patient (Level III or IV)