Introduction to Assessing Alcohol Problems Megan Columbus and John P. Allen, Ph.D. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD Alcoholism Treatment Assessment Research 1 Instruments by Lettieri et al.1 has been widely recognized as a unique resource in the fields of alcoholism treatment research and clinical management of alcoholics. In the past decade, assessment has come to play an even more prominent role in assigning alcoholics to appropriate interventions, in understanding the nature of alcohol dependence, and in evaluating the effectiveness of alcoholism treatment strategies. This revision of the Lettieri et al. volume both updates information on instruments included in the earlier version and presents scales developed since publication of the original text. Beyond facilitating the arduous task of locating, examining, and selecting instruments appropriate for use in all stages of the assessment process, the text also includes state-of-the-art reviews of and recommendations for assessment procedures. Compiled in a new "user-friendly" format, the Guide is written primarily with the clinician and the less experienced researcher in mind. Preparation of this volume reflects an extensive commitment of time and expertise by leading authorities in the field of alcoholism assessment. The internationally recognized panel members developed content 1Lettieri, D.J.; Nelson, J.E.; and Sayers, M.A., eds. NIAAA Treatment Handbook Series 2: Alcoholism Treatment Assessment Research Instruments. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. DHHS Pub. No. (ADM) 851380, 1985. oriented chapters and spent enormous amounts of time reviewing, editing, and advising on the format and tone of the Guide to assure applicability to its intended audience. Without such dedicated involvement from subject matter experts, this reference volume would not have been possible. Instrument Selection Initial examination of potential scales for inclusion in the text yielded more than 200 candidates. Final selection of instruments entailed careful review and extensive deliberation by the panel. Decisions were based on the following criteria: • The instrument must be specific to alcoholism treatment. • The instrument must be available in English. • The instrument must be identifiable by name, not simply by description in an article. • The instrument must yield quantitative scores. • Psychometric characteristics of the instrument must be published in at least one published source. • The instrument must be appropriate |